This firm had significant impact on the local economy until its closure in 1959. After its incorporation in 1868, Etna continued to serve as an industrial nexus, spurred by the construction of rails, streetcar routes, and the road that is now Route 8. After World War II, improvements were made to the road, encouraging new industrial development. It is bordered on three sides by Shaler Township, by the Allegheny River to the south and it abuts the Borough of Sharpsburg to the southeast. Grant Avenue, Pine Creek and highways carve this community into small neighborhoods.
Industrial structures dominate the area next to the river.
The latter was created by act of the legislature from Reserve Township on April 5, 1849. The site of the town was originally owned by John Sample. The necessity of providing accomodations for the increasing class of persons intended to be benefited influenced the directors to secure a location farther distant from the city, for which legislative sanction was secured in 1867. The farm was accordingly laid out into streets and lots, the sale of which took place September 4, 1867. The population in 1870 was 668 and in 1880 nearly tripled to 1824.