How a Pennsylvania township transformed from a rural wilderness into a major economic hub

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Once a quiet agricultural landscape named for wild berries, Cranberry Township evolved into a bustling center of industry and commerce. Driven by strategic highway access and deliberate development, this Pittsburgh suburb now attracts more workers than it sends away, hosting corporate giants and a thriving, modern regional economy.

Originally chartered in 1804, Cranberry Township was once a vast, rural expanse. Its name reflects a time when wild cranberries flourished along the banks of Brush Creek, drawing deer and Native American hunters. By the 1880s, however, the combination of farming and drought had eradicated the fruit. The township's geography also shifted significantly; while it once spanned 81 square miles, boundary changes in 1854 reduced it to its current 22.8 square miles. Early European settlement began in 1796 with the Graham brothers, who utilized land designated by Benjamin Franklin to pay Revolutionary War soldiers.

The township remained primarily agricultural until the mid-20th century. Its rapid transformation was catalyzed by infrastructure projects, specifically the completion of the Pennsylvania Turnpike's western section in 1951 and the opening of I-79 in 1966. These highways, later supplemented by I-279, turned the area into a prime location for businesses seeking accessible, affordable land. The local government actively encouraged this growth through the Cranberry Industrial Development Corporation, which helped establish industrial parks that attracted major organizations like Westinghouse Electric Company, MSA Safety, and PPG Architectural Coatings.

Today, Cranberry functions as a significant employment center rather than just a residential suburb. With a workforce of approximately 20,500 people, the township sees more commuters entering its borders daily than residents leaving for jobs elsewhere. This economic success is managed through comprehensive planning, with the township board of supervisors guiding growth since the 1970s. Beyond its corporate landscape, the community maintains a strong focus on family life, offering extensive municipal parks, an award-winning golf course, and a variety of public programs, all while continuing to expand its retail and hospitality sectors.

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