According to legend, the Seneca Indians inhabited the area and kept a camp atop the cliff above Chartiers Creek (along what is now Backbone Road). These Seneca Indians were one of six tribes in the Iroquois nation that had been displaced east by the white man. This camp provided them with a commanding view to spot wildlife or approaching enemies.

Peter Chartiers, a French/Shawnee trader, was apparently the first white man to settle in the valley. During the Revolutionary War, the region was awarded to Brigadier General Edward Hand, commander at Fort Pitt from 1777-78. The hospital he built for his workers and soldiers was the first federal hospital in America and, for 69 years, the only medical facility west of the Alleghenies. The land was bequeathed to Hand's daughter, and when she died, acquired by Philip Smith of Philadelphia.

Around 1865, the Smith property was acquired by a Pittsburgh attorney, James S. Craft, from Oakland. Craft was involved in the railway business, and on October 9, 1865, the first passenger train passed through the area.

Later, Charles Craft, his son, gave the railroad land for a station and named the area Crafton in honor of his father. In 1892, Crafton was incorporated as a borough.
Crafton grew quickly and soon acquired all the qualities of a first-class suburb - good schools, churches, conscientious public officials and an excellent volunteer fire department. When street cars were installed in 1895, Crafton experienced phenomenal growth for the next fifteen years.

The shopping center, community pool and park were added in the 1950s and 60s, and the Carlynton School District was also formed. Today Crafton is poised for many challenges and positive changes. A busway from Pittsburgh include a stop in Crafton where the old station stood, holding promise for revitalizing Crafton's downtown area.
Some other topics you might like to explore:

• Founding the Crafton Historical Society
• The Story of Crafton
• Oral Histories
• Walking Tour of Crafton