Highspire, PA

Highspire is a borough in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,836 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

The borough was founded in 1815 and named for its location on high ground overlooking the Allegheny River valley. The first settler in Highspire was Ebenezer Gifford, who built a cabin on what is now known as Gifford Hill. The borough's early economy was based on agriculture and timber production. In 1848, the Allegheny Portage Railroad opened a rail line through Highspire connecting Pittsburgh with the East Coast. This led to an influx of industrial and commercial businesses, which helped to make Highspire one of Allegheny County's most prosperous municipalities by the late 19th century.

During World War II, Highspire served as a military base for troops training for Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy in 1944. After the war ended, many servicemen settled in Highspire and brought with them new businesses and jobs. By 1950, Highspire had become one of Pittsburgh's most populous suburbs; it continued to grow rapidly throughout the 1960s and 1970s due to suburbanization and increased immigration from Latin America and Asia. Today, Highspire is home to a diverse array of businesses and residences; its economy is based largely on services rather than manufacturing or agriculture like it was during its early years.

Highspire has two historic districts: West End Historic District (established in 1978) and East End Historic District (established in 1984). Both districts are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The borough also has five other historic districts: North Side Historic District (established in 1988), South Side Historic District (established in 1988), Gifford Hill Historic District (established in 1990), Homestead Heights Historic District (established in 1992), and Valley View Park Historic District (established in 1998). All six districts are listed on the Pennsylvania Register of Historical Places except Valley View Park which is also listed on both state registers