New Brighton's unique and rich history dates back to 1788. Its location on the Beaver River attracted industries, such as the Townsend Company, Wilson's Mill, Sherwood Pottery, Standard Horse Nail, Dawes and Myler, and the Pittsburgh Wallpaper Company, and brought immigrants in search of employment to the thriving community. Some businesses that supported the growing town were Kenah's Apothecary, Milo Wilson's Butterine store, Bestwick Hardware, A.D. Gilliland Dry Goods, Ewing Brothers, and Stuart Magee's grocery. Notable citizens included Edward Dempster Merrick, a 19th-century entrepreneur who founded the Merrick Art Gallery; author and journalist Grace Greenwood; and the famous Noss family. New Brighton opens a window to an era of bustling businesses and industries, Junction Park, school days, and yesteryear modes of transportation. It also gives a rare look inside the house known locally as the "Castle," built in 1894 by 19th-century industrialist Frederick Merrick.