This place derives its name from that of the founder, James Sharp. Born near Chambersburg, Franklin county, Pa., February 10, 1784, he removed to Pittsburgh at the early age of thirteen years, and to the region about the mouth of Pine creek in 1826. There were two log structures on the ground he purchased, both of which were unoccupied at the time, and had probably been erected years before as dwelling-houses. The new proprietor built for himself a one-story-and-a-half log house, still standing at the side of the hill, and visible from Penn street, between Tenth and Clay. This is the oldest building in the borough. The second building was used for school and church purposes. It stood at the corner of Fifteenth and South Canal streets. Another school-building was erected on the Coyle property, and both were sustained by the public-spirited proprietor. He also built and managed a temperance hotel, and was active in promoting the interests of the town in every way. The various religious bodies of the town were each in turn the recipients of his benefactions. His death occurred March 12, 1861. He was "essentially a gentleman of the old school, courteous in manner, affable in disposition, and generous in hospitality. He was a man whom to know was to esteem. Ever indulgent to those who were under obligations to him; faithful and prudent in all trusts confided to his care; in commercial intercourse always just; the soul of honor — a man in whom integrity might see reflected her own image, undimmed by the breath of calumny, untainted by the base slanders of tho age. His moral character was above reproach."

The town received its first impetus in 1829, when the canal was opened, Philip Miller being the contractor for the locks at Pine creek and about a mile of the excavations above that point. About this time the first ironworks in Etna were established, and in the growth incident to the expansion of this industry in the adjoining borough Sharpsburg has largely shared.

The Vesuvius Iron- and Nail-works, Moorhead, Brother & Co., proprietors, are the only manufactures in the borough at present. The original predecessor of the present firm was that of Lewis, O’Hara & Lewis, George Lewis, James O’Hara and J.C. Lewis, constituent merhbers. Mr. O’Hara retired in 1847 in favor of Robert Dalzell, when the style of the firm became Lewis, Dalzell & Co., so continuing until 1878, when the works passed into possession of John Moorhead, Sr. Upon his death, in the following year, the firm of Moorhead, Brother & Co. was formed. The works were erected in 1846, the lumber being obtained some miles up the river and transported by ox-team and canal-boat. Operations were begun under the name of Guyasuta Iron-works, with six puddling-furnaces and three trains of rolls. The works were under the management of Lewis W. Lewis until 1878, when his son, George T. Lewis, succeeded him. The works have been successively enlarged and adapted to the changes which the industry has experienced. As reported to the American Iron and Steel Directory for 1886, the plant consists of twenty-eight single puddling-furnaces, ten heating-furnaces, seven trains of rolls (two eight, one fifteen, two eighteen, one twenty and one twenty-four inch), and fifty nail-machines; product, bar, skelp, sheet and plate iron and nails; annual capacity, one hundred and five thousand kegs of nails and twenty thousand net tons of rolled products.

A short distance beyond the borough limits on the east are the works of Tibby Brothers, glass manufacturers, established in 1866, and comprising three furnaces. Twin City Steam forge, McKim & Smith, proprietors, and the Guyasuta Clay-Pot factory. Duff, Walter & Co., may also be mentioned with propriety in this connection.

There are two financial institutions, the Sharpsburg & Etna Savings bank and the Farmers’ & Mechanics’ bank; the former was incorporated in 1868, the latter in 1879, with George A. Chalfant, president; W. A. Gildenfenny, vice-president; Robert M. Coyle, cashier. The general business interests are well sustained.

Joseph A. Rattigan issued the first number of the Sharpsburg Herald December 16, 1878, and has continued as its editor and publisher from that time. Under his enterprising management this journal has become a valuable property, and an able advocate of borough interests. The Weekly Observer was established April 1, 1886, by Goshorn & Henry, who were succeeded by the Observer Publishing company November 1, 1887. H. Robison is managing editor.

There are a number of secret and beneficiary societies, among the oldest being Sharpsburg Lodge, No. 752, I. O. O. F.; Zeredatha Lodge, No. 448, F. &. A. M.; Guyasuta Council, No. 847, R. A.; Vesuvius Council, No. 116, Jr. O. U. A. M.

The Sharpsburg Presbyterian Chiirch was organized in 1838, with about sixty members. Pastors: Revs. James Campbell, 1838-41; J. W. Murray, 1841-53; Alexander Shand, 1853-56; Alexander Sinclair, 1856-58; S. J. Wilson, 1858-61; J. M. Smith, 1861-67; T. M. Wilson, 1867-70; W. C. Falconer, 1870-72; Thomas Lawrence, 1872-79; Joseph T. Gibson, 1880-.

St. Joseph’s Catholic church, Sharpsburg, was dedicated April 29, 1849, the cornerstone having been laid June 25th of the previous year. The first baptism in the parish was performed by Father Gibbs November 21, 1847. The cornerstone of the present structure was laid May 4, 1873, and its dedication occurred July 9, 1874. Pastors: Revs. Gibbs, W. A. Nolan, P. Kerr, Dennis Kearney, G. S. Grace.

St. Mary’s (German) Catholic Church was organized by the Redemptorist Fathers of St. Philomena’s parish, Pittsburgh, by whom the work was undertaken January 1, 1853. It was dedicated by the bishop June 18, 1854. It was completely destroyed by fire January 4, 1866. The cornerstone of the present edifice was laid May 27, 1866; it was dedicated June 16, 1867.

Union Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1866. Rev. L. McGuire is pastor. The (German) Lutheran church, Rev. K. Walz, pastor, was built in 1863. The First Regular Baptist church was built in 1860. Rev. Alexander MacArthur is at present in charge. Congregational and (English) Lutheran organizations have recently been formed.

The borough was incorporated December 14, 1841, and is the oldest in the county with a single exception. The population in 1860 was 1,426; in 1870, 2,126; in 1880, 3,466.