Pittsburgh Suburbs: History of Forest Hills

history of Forest Hills

A Brief History of Forest Hills




 History of Forest Hills





Forest Hills is a borough in Allegheny County and a suburb of Pittsburgh. Its population was around 6,500 as of the 2010 census. The borough was named after Forest Hills, Queens in New York City. The community is bordered by Braddock Hills, North Braddock, Churchill, Wilkinsburg, Edgewood, Swissvale and more. Around the time Fort Pitt was built and the Forbes expedition happened in 1758, settlers started getting grants all through the land that is now known as Forest Hills. Allegheny Country was formed from parts of Westmoreland and Washington counties and then divided into townships. Forest Hills was part of Pitt Township until 1812, then it was divided and became Wilkins Township. It was again divided in the 1850s and part of Forest Hills stayed in Wilkins Township while the other joined Braddock Township. Residents felt they were paying a lot in taxes and receiving very few benefits so they met with the intention of creating a borough, and hence Forest Hills borough was born.



Facts about Forest Hills

History of Forest Hills




Forest Hills is known for its family-oriented activities. There are multiple parks and a large pool. Adults have access to yoga, aerobics, pool classes, scrapbooking and more. Forest Hills is home to historic landmark the “Westinghouse Atom Smasher.” The Atom Smasher operated until 1958 and was a five-million volt Van de Graaf generator and particle accelerator. Forest Hills’ population was spread out as of the 2010 census, with around 20% spread evenly among those under age 20 to 65 and older.



14 thoughts on “Pittsburgh Suburbs: History of Forest Hills”

  1. My mother grew up at 304 Overdale Road; and when I was young and visited my grandmother, we took many, many walks up/down the surrounding roads. The path down to the streetcar on Ardmore Boulevard is where at about age five, I saw my first (garter) snake. I am 75 and I remember it like it was yesterday!

      1. I remember it well, Dan, but can’t tell you anything about it. My grandmother left 304 Overdale sometime around 1958 and moved out to Oakmont where we were living. I know I always loved the way that house looked, though. Wish I could tell you more.

  2. I was born and raised on Edgewood Road… my childhood was filled with tennis and swim team, Hawthorn Elementary School and playing in the creek behind the Presbyterian Church. My sister and I played baseball for Edgewood Acres, Girl Scouts and 4th of July bingo! I love Forest Hills?

  3. I grew up on Overdale Road in the Edgewood Acres section of Forest Hills. It was an idyllic place to grow up. I have always wished that my own children could have grown up in such a wonderful neighborhood. Forest Hills will always hold a special place in my heart!

  4. I was raised on Barclay Avenue and went to Atlantic Avenue School, then Forest Hills Junior High, and finally the brand new Churchill Area High School. My father was active in local politics as well as being borough secretary for years. We would go to town on the street car or by bus, enjoyed Fourth of July at the park, and had a wonderful childhood on a dead-end street where we could play with no fear of traffic. It was a great place to call home!

  5. I lived in an area called Muckel Rat. On the corner of Braddock Rd and Glasgo. Beaver drive.
    Great memories

  6. When I met my husband he was living on Lenox Avenue with his parents, we married in 1958 moved to Wilkinsburg and eventually moved to Forest Hills, I liked living in Forest Hill it was a very nice neighborhood, met some very nice people, raised of son and daughter there then moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1966. We always went back for visits. Loved living there. Connie

  7. I grew up in FH in the 50’s-70’s. Lived on Fairfax Rd. but grew up on Cascade Rd. (600s). What a wonderful childhood. Went to Hawthorne, FHJH, and THE CHURCHILL AREA HIGH SCHOOL. ’67
    Loved Ted’s, Rosie at the pharmacy, Snookie from Spinelli’s, Vinnie pies, 87 Ardmore to the Rowland Theater, the Roller Rink…and the creek along Ardmore.

  8. The atom smasher is no longer standing. The Big Light Bulb is laying on its side, they are trying to figure what to do with it. My son lives up the street from it.

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