History

From the early 1700's when the Delaware Indians hunted in local forests and fished in surrounding streams, the area we now know as White Oak has evolved from dense forest to a prosperous residential and small business community.

White Oak's history includes a march by General Braddock, and a young George Washington, through what is now the center of White Oak on the way to battle the French at Fort Duquesne. Early settlers found rich farm land, but when industrialization began mineral explorers began to sink natural gas wells in White Oak. While the gas wells dried up, White Oak was profiting from its proximity to McKeesport and other Mon-Valley "steel towns" as a residential suburb to these industrial centers.

In 1948 a series of annexations by the City of McKeesport, South Versailles and other communities cut into the original boundaries of Versailles Township. To prevent any further annexations, the remaining area of Versailles Township was incorporated as White Oak Borough.

Today, the steel mills no longer drive the economy of the Mon-Valley, but White Oak has continued to grow and prosper. It's diversified business community has over 400 businesses including a large number of medical, legal and other professional services. White Oak has over 3900 households and over 9500 residents.