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Frequently asked questions

Shaler, PA

Shaler Township is a township in Allegheny County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It consists of much of the community of Glenshaw and several neighboring communities. The population was 28,757 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

Traders began settling in the Shaler area in the mid-18th century. The most prominent early trader in the area was George Croghan, who came in the early 1740s. By 1754, the settlement included the Pine Creek trading post, where Europeans traded fur and skins with the Mingo and other Native Americans in the Ohio Valley. The second early European settlement was Girty's Run, established by Simon Girty.

The village of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania—at the center of what became Shaler Township—was established in the early 19th century, beginning with a log sawmill built by John Shaw, Sr. after he bought 600 acres (2.4 km²) of land north of Pittsburgh in 1800. The area became known as "Shaw's Glen", and later Glenshaw. Members of the Shaw family subsequently built a log gristmill, a sickle factory, and a coal mine.

On March 20, 1845, a petition to form a new township from portions of Ross and Indiana townships was presented to the Court of Quarter Sessions. Col. James A. Gibson, Alexander V. Brackenridge, and John Murray were appointed as viewers. They reported in favor on June 10 of the same year, although it was two years later on March 20, 1847, that the court decree establishing the township was issued, in the name of Marion. While the township was initially confirmed with the name Marion; on the same day the name was changed to Shaler, after Charles Shaler, a prominent mid-19th century Pittsburgh area judge, who served as President Judge of the 5th District Court in Beaver County. The township is not named for the numerous deposits of shale rock found within its borders; this is instead a common misconception.

At the time of establishment, Shaler Township encompassed all of its current holdings plus the boroughs of Etna, Millvale, and a large tract of Ross Township. By 1868, Shaler lost much of its land to the new boroughs. In 1900, Shaler became one of the early townships to be classified as a township of the first class. The township's boundaries remain the same today as they were in 1900.

Shaler Township is located at 40°31′15″N 79°57′49″W (40.520926, -79.963784). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 11.2 square miles (29.0 km²), of which 11.0 square miles (28.5 km²) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.5 km²) (1.70%) is water.

Shaler Township places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Allegheny General Hospital offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Planet Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Fitness enthusiasts can work out at Fitness 19, which offers modern exercise equipment and a range of fitness classes. For a tranquil yoga experience, Salt Power Yoga provides classes for all skill levels. Shealer Chiropractic offers holistic care, including chiropractic treatments and massage therapy. CrossFit Pine Creek provides high-intensity workouts to enhance strength and endurance. For a relaxing day, The Sewickley Spa offers luxurious spa treatments.

Top sites in Shaler, PA include Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Fall Run Park, and Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.

Population: 27,963 (2018). Area: 11.17 sq mi (28.93 km²). Elevation: Ranges from approximately 900 to 1,200 feet. ZIP code: 15116. Area codes: 412, 878.

FAQs

What is the history of Shaler Township, PA?

Traders began settling in the Shaler area in the mid-1700s with the first settlements in Big Pine Creek Valley and Girty's Run Valley, where Europeans traded furs and skins with Native Americans from throughout the Ohio Valley.  The village of Glenshaw, at the center of current Shaler Township, was established in the early 1800s after John Shaw, Sr. bought several hundred acres of land and built a log sawmill.  The area became known as "Shaw's Glen," later Glenshaw. Shaler was comprised of many small communities, including familiar names such as Cherry City, Bauerstown, Cabbage Hill, Sharps Hill, Undercliff, Elfinwild, and Glenshaw.

How did Shaler Township, PA get its name?

Although it was almost named Marion Township, it took the namesake of Judge Charles Shaler, a prominent mid-19th century Pittsburgh-area judge who served as President Judge of the 5th District Court in Beaver County. Shaler Township lost part of its territory in 1868 when Etna and Millvale incorporated into boroughs.

Is Shaler Township, PA a good place to live?

Shaler Township is in Allegheny County and is one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania. Living in Shaler Township offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Shaler Township there are a lot of bars and parks. Many young professionals and retirees live in Shaler Township and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Shaler Township are above average.

Sources

Township of Shaler

Wikipedia

Niche

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Fall Run Park

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Allegheny General Hospital

Planet Fitness

Fitness 19

Salt Power Yoga

Shealer Chiropractic

CrossFit Pine Creek

The Sewickley Spa

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