This borough was incorporated June 8, 1867, by decree of court, from the southern part of what was then Wilkins township.

Mining was the principal occupation at the time of incorporation, and for some years thereafter. The industries previously described employ the principal part of the inhabitants, while others are engaged in various pursuits in the city and at other points. There are no manufactories of importance within the borough limits. The business interests are important, there being many local stores and two flourishing monetary institutions. The First National bank was organized October 19, 1882, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, since increased by half that sum. Jesse H. Lippincott is president; R. M. Holland, vice-president; W. H. Watt, cashier; H. C. Shallenberger, teller. Braddock National bank, R. E. Stewart, president; John G. Kelly, cashier; E. M. Brackemeyer, assistant cashier; U. G. Williams, bookkeeper; S. D. Hamilton, teller; George A. Todd, collection clerk; was organized November 29, 1882, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. A surplus fund equal to one-third of that sum has since accumulated. This institution is the successor of the Braddock Trust company, organized in 1873.

The earliest journalistic venture was the Herald, published for several months in 1876 by Frederick Penney. The first issue of the Sun appeared in December, 1877, its projectors being F. E. Lewis and Alexander Hall, but the former withdrew before the second number was published. J. A. Wynne was proprietor from 1878 to 1881, and during 1880 a daily edition was issued, with F. E. Lewis as local editor. This was the first daily published in the town. T. J. Louis succeeded Mr. Wynne in 1881, and continued as publisher until April 22, 1887, when F. E. Louis became sole proprietor. The politics of the paper has changed with its successive managements, but it is now a consistent expounder of orthodox democracy. The Herald, a seven-column quarto, was established July 8, 1880, by A. H. Silvey, the present proprietor, a gentleman of republican proclivities. The Daily News, Charles Mills, publisher, first appeared February 12, 1887, and in the following month absorbed the Evening Times, successor to the Daily Journal, originally established by Charles Lawry. This is the only daily in existence at present. The Tribune, Daniel McCarthy, proprietor, made its debut July 26, 1887.

The various secret, benevolent and other organizations number forty-two. Among the most important may be mentioned Braddock’s Field Lodge, No. 510, A. Y. M; Braddock’s Field Lodge, No. 529, I. O. O. F.; McMasters Encampment, No. 239, I. O. O. F.; Oak Hall Lodge, No. 34, K. of P.; Monongahela Council, No. 122, Jr. O. U. A. M.; Edgar Thomson Council, No. 51, R. A.

The various religious denominations are nearly all represented. The first Methodist Episcopal society was organized in 1855 by B. F. Sawhill, whose circuit also included Port Perry and Wilkinsburg. The first services were held in a schoolhouse in North Braddock, and in 1859 Sellers chapel, the present place of worship, was erected. Rev. William H. Lauck being pastor at that time. Rev. T. N. Boyle is the present pastor. St. Thomas’ Roman Catholic Church was organized by Rev. Thomas O’Farrel. The cornerstone was laid April 22, 1860; services were first held in the basement October 14, 1860, and the completed building was dedicated October 28, 1862. A large and commodious school-building was erected in 1883 by Very Rev. J. Hickey, the present pastor. St. Joseph’s German Catholic Church was organized by Rev. Anthony Fisher in 1877. The Presbyterian Church was organized in 1873, with Rev. William F. Kean as its first pastor. The church-edifice was built in 1875. Rev. J. B. Dickey is at present in charge. The United Presbyterian Church was organized July 27, 1864. Pastors: J. S. Easton, 1869-76; W. S. Fulton, 1877-78; S. J. Shaw, 1879-. The Church of Christ (Disciples), Rev. A. S. Bosworth, pastor, was built in 1874. It is a fine brick edifice. The Baptist Church, Rev. T. R. Taylor, pastor, was constituted in 1881.

In addition to these there are African Methodist, English Lutheran, Congregational and Protestant Episcopal missions.

The population at the first census after the formation of the borough (1870) was 1,290; in 1880, 3,310.