Under the earlier names of McNairsville and Rippeysville. Wilkinsburg is one of the oldest towns in the county. Its early importance was derived from the location on the turnpike leading to Pittsburgh, one of the great arteries of travel between the east and west before the age of railroads. The oldest houses in the town are situated along Penn avenue and Nine-Mile run, indicating that village growth was restricted to the immediate vicinity of the turnpike. James Kelly became proprietor of a large tract of land adjoining the railroad station, and being of a conservative disposition, the growth of the village was not so rapid as that of other suburban points. There has been a rapid expansion and improvement within the last few years. The place is distinctively suburban in its character.

At Wilkinsburg is located the Western Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb, an account of which will be found on page 416, Part I. The Women’s Christian Association of Pittsburgh has established two charitable institutions at Wilkinsburg, a "Home for Aged Protestant Women" and a similar home for men. The former was organized June 10, 1869, and incorporated March 25, 1871. The latter was opened in 1872, as "The Sheltering Arms." The buildings in both instances are brick, and live acres for each were donated by James Kelly.

The Wilkinsburg Presbyterian Church was organized in May, 1866. Rev. S. M. Henderson was installed as first pastor in 1867. The church-edifice was built in 1869 and rebuilt in 1887. Rev. Samuel H. Moore is the present pastor.

St. James’ Roman Catholic Church was dedicated November 29, 1869. The membership had previously been connected with SS. Peter and Paul congregation, East Liberty. Rev. Joseph Suhr was appointed pastor of Wilkinsburg and Verona in 1870. A. A. Lambing, the well-known historian, is the present pastor. The United Presbyterian Church was organized November 21, 1882, and Rev. M. M. Patterson became pastor in 1882. The church was built in 1883. The Reformed Presbyterian church was built in 1845; the Methodist, in 1843, and rebuilt in 1878. There are also Reformed, Lutheran and United Brethren churches.

The Wilkinsburg Call, a local newspaper established February 3, 1887, is published weekly by A. H. Silvey. The East Ender was started some years ago, by W. Eisenbise, but suspended after a brief career.

Wilkinsburg was incorporated December 2, 1887, by decree of court.

Brushton, the first station on the Pennsylvania railroad beyond the city limits, is a small suburban town. The works of the Phoenix Glass-Pot manufactory are located here.