Schenley, Pennsylvania

Schenley
Unincorporated community
The United States Post Office (15682) that serves Schenley
Coordinates: 40°41′04″N 79°39′42″W
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
County	Armstrong
Township	Gilpin
Time zone	UTC-5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code	15682

Schenley is an unincorporated community that is located in Gilpin Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States.

History

Foundation of a demolished building in the Industrial Park

Schenley, situated at the confluence of the Allegheny and Kiskiminetas Rivers in Gilpin Township, Armstrong County, became a prominent center of American whiskey production and a major industrial site in the early 20th century. The land in Schenley was originally owned by Mary Elizabeth Croghan Schenley, a Pittsburgh heiress who inherited a vast real estate portfolio across Western Pennsylvania. Her estate’s holdings and strategic location made Schenley an ideal location for industrial ventures.

In 1888, chemist Frank Sinclair, his brother Harry Sinclair, and investor Henry Bischoff established the Schenley Distilling Company. The area’s pure water sources, proximity to coal mines, and access to the Allegheny Valley Railroad and major shipping routes influenced their decision to set up operations in Schenley. These resources, coupled with the rising demand for whiskey and spirits, enabled the company to grow quickly. Over time, Schenley Distilling Company became one of the largest whiskey producers in the United States, with its products gaining nationwide recognition.

During Prohibition (1920-1933), Schenley Distilling was one of the few distilleries permitted to continue operations under a government license to produce medicinal alcohol. This rare allowance enabled the company to retain its workforce and maintain its infrastructure, while many other distilleries across the country were forced to shut down. The medicinal license allowed Schenley to position itself strategically for growth after Prohibition ended. By the time the Prohibition repeal arrived, Schenley was ready to scale up rapidly, acquiring several other distilleries, brands, and distribution networks, ultimately establishing itself as an industry powerhouse.

In its peak years, Schenley was a self-contained industrial community that featured 67 buildings spread across a 60-acre complex. The site included warehouses for aging whiskey, bottling facilities, and office buildings. Additionally, the Schenley complex included recreational facilities for employees, such as a bowling alley, an auditorium, and the Schenley Club—a social venue where employees gathered, enjoying views over the river. The Schenley Club symbolized the company’s commitment to its workers, fostering a community spirit within the industrial site.

Schenley’s impact extended beyond its physical location. The company owned several other prominent brands and distilleries across the country, including the historic Glenmore Distillery and the Old Quaker distillery, contributing to its position as a leading American distiller. In 1968, the Glen Alden Corporation acquired Schenley, moving its headquarters to the Empire State Building in New York City. Despite these corporate changes, the Schenley plant in Gilpin Township continued production until November 11, 1983, when the last truckload of whiskey departed the plant, marking the end of an era.

Today, the site once occupied by Schenley Distilling Company remains active with Armstrong Terminal, Inc., and BPI Inc. utilizing the area, maintaining a connection to Schenley’s industrial past. Additionally, Schenley has become a valued recreational area within Gilpin Township, featuring two riverside campgrounds along the scenic riverbanks as well as the Schenley Trailhead of the Armstrong Trail (Formerly Allegheny Valley Land Trust). These campgrounds attract campers, fishers, and boating enthusiasts, blending Schenley’s rich industrial heritage with its modern recreational appeal, ensuring that the legacy of this once-prominent whiskey town endures.

Kiski Junction Railroad

The Kiski Junction Railroad was an important part of Schenley's industrial and cultural landscape. Originally part of the 19th-century Allegheny Valley Railroad, the line passed through multiple ownerships before being revived in 1995 as the Kiski Junction Railroad. Based in Schenley, the railroad served both freight and tourist functions. It operated about six miles of track along the Allegheny River and connected to key industrial sites such as the Allegheny Ludlum plant in Bagdad.

In addition to its freight operations, the Kiski Junction became well-known for its scenic passenger excursions, offering rides along the river through wooded areas, over old iron bridges, and past remnants of the region's industrial past. These trips made Schenley a local destination and introduced visitors to the area's natural beauty and historic roots.

In 2011, the line was extended to reach the Logansport Mine, boosting its freight potential. However, with the decline of local industry and the closure of the mine and key manufacturing facilities, operations wound down, with the last train running in 2016.

By 2021, the railroad was officially abandoned. The corridor was soon after acquired by Armstrong County, with plans to convert it into a recreational trail.

The Kiski Junction Bridge

The iconic iron truss bridge that spans the Kiskiminetas River between Schenley and Leechburg is one of the most enduring symbols of the area's industrial legacy. Built in 1899, the bridge originally served the Allegheny Valley Railroad, later becoming part of the Kiski Junction Railroad. For more than a century, it connected the Schenley industrial site—including the massive distillery complex—to the regional rail network, playing a critical role in freight movement and, later, tourist excursions.

Constructed as a Pratt through truss bridge, it was designed to handle both heavy freight and long-term use. Its steel frame and riveted construction remain intact today, a testament to 19th-century American engineering.

Following the closure of the Kiski Junction Railroad, the bridge was preserved as a part of the Armstrong Trail. It now serves hikers and cyclists, offering panoramic views of the river and a unique perspective on the convergence of Schenley's natural beauty and industrial past.

Currently, the trail terminates at the Allegheny Township side, just before reaching active Norfolk Southern rail lines. However, plans are underway for a future flyover bridge that would span the live tracks, creating a direct connection to the Treadway Trail in Westmoreland County. This connection will be a major milestone in regional trail development, linking Armstrong and Westmoreland counties and expanding recreational access along the river corridor, and closing a major gap in the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail.

Geography

Aerial view of Schenley

Schenley is bordered by the Allegheny and Kiskiminetas Rivers. Pennsylvania Route 2062 is the main and only highway that leads into the community.

Notable person

Prominent dietitian Rena Sarah Eckman (1868-1946) was born in Schenley.

External links

• Kiski Junction Railroad website