Get to Know McKees Rocks

McKees Rocks, aka “The Rocks,” is a borough along the south bank of the Ohio River that used to house railroad machine shops, locomotive manufacturers, and other factories. But long before then, it was inhabited by Native Americans, more specifically the Adena culture, who built a large earthwork mound — a burial and ceremonial structure — which was expanded in later years by members of the Hopewell culture. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History excavated half of the mound in 1896, and unfortunately, it was quarried for municipal paving some time after the archaeological dig.

Eat & Drink

First, the sad news: Black Forge Coffee, located in the historic Chartiers Trust Company bank building, just announced it’s closing up shop. Stop by one of their planned events before they shutter for good.

Sonja Reis of the McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation wrote in to the newsletter: “Help us get someone in there that isn't a major chain looking to tear it down and replace it with a tiny drive-thru. We also have several opportunities for infill development along the same stretch of Chartiers in downtown McKees Rocks.”

Go, See, Do!

If you’re into music and arts, you can see a concert, drag show, or stand-up comedy at the Roxian Theater (a former movie house built in 1929); shop for music equipment or take a lesson at Hollowood Music & Sound; or take a dance, theater, or music class at the Father Ryan Arts Center.