Springdale Borough was incorporated in 1906, when it broke away from the larger Springdale Township, and was named after the natural springs and the surrounding small valley, or the "dale." The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, but soon overtaken by Europeans. The town became a bustling railroad town and a hub for the coal industry in the late 1800s and the early 1900s. Springdale originally got its name in the year 1820 by either Hannah Keene or her daughter, Frances. Before this, the town is believed to have been known as "Deertown."

The first settlers in the Springdale area were most likely the Allegewi or Allegheny Indians. The Allegheny River and Allegheny County were named in their honor. An old map made for William Penn in 1774 shows seven tents, each representing a certain number of people, in the area that would become Springdale. This suggests that the area was a significant Native American settlement.

The first European settlers arrived in the area in the early 1800s. Among these settlers were familiar names such as Pillow, Coe, Remaley, Henderson, Mellon, Brackenridge, Denny, Hanna, Keene, Shoop, and Moyer. Many streets in Springdale today are named after these families.

Today, Springdale is a peaceful residential community with a small downtown area and a number of small businesses. It’s a place where residents enjoy the tranquility of a small town while benefiting from its proximity to the bustling city of Pittsburgh.

The Rachel Carson Homestead, the birthplace and childhood home of marine biologist and author Rachel Carson, is a significant historical site in Springdale. The homestead, which once stood on approximately 65 acres of land overlooking the Allegheny River, is now stewarded by the Rachel Carson Homestead Association.

The borough is served by the Allegheny Valley School District, with Springdale Jr-Sr High School providing education to the borough’s youth.