Old Versailles Township (Images of America)

Named for Versailles Palace in honor of the French allies during the American Revolution, Versailles Township was one of the original seven townships of Allegheny County. Wedged among the Monongahela, Youghiogheny, and Turtle Creek Valleys, the region was a prime spot for the growth of industrial, commercial, and residential plans. David L. Clark (creator of the Clark Candy Bar), Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney, Rainbow Gardens, and Olympia Park were all products of the region that was Versailles Township. Inevitably, as the population grew, the "Old" Versailles Township split up into several smaller communities, including the Boroughs of East McKeesport, White Oak, Versailles, and the Townships of North and South Versailles.