The History Behind Vinegar Hollow

A little northwest of Pittsburgh, just 15 minutes from Downtown, you’ll find a new protected greenspace filled with hemlocks, hollies, and ferns: Vinegar Hollow. The 46-acres of land in Kilbuck, Ben Avon, and Emsworth was recently bought by the Hollow Oak Land Trust, a nonprofit conservation organization, in an effort to protect the land and create new trails.

On a visit to Vinegar Hollow, you might spot a variety of wildlife, like owls, cardinals, and chickadees — and even though you likely won’t see them, there are foxes and coyotes too.

But there’s also some history beneath the ground. The land was originally home to the Native American Lenape tribe. When the area was colonized, the hollow got its name from John “Vinegar Jake” Signor, a Civil War veteran and hard cider brewer who used to hide out there. Read more about his bootlegging past.

Starting in April, you can be a part of the newly protected land and help to build trails at “Trial Luv Mondays.” Fun perk: You get free beer for your labor!