Mingo Junction, a working-class town in the upper Ohio River Valley, has
a rich mix of ethnicities and races with a history going back to the
Mingo Indians, including visits from George Washington in the 1770s.
Early settlement came as the coal mining industry flourished, followed
by iron and steel foundries and accompanying railroads and river barge
traffic. Mingo's chief industry is its steel mill, first Carnegie Steel
Mill, then Wheeling-Pitt Steel Mill for over 100 years. The town's deep
character is etched in its work, social, cultural, and natural
landscapes. This is seen in its schools, churches, businesses and
industry, daily life, active social organizations, and its famous
figures: Jake Strott and George Kakasic of the 1930s Pittsburgh Steelers
(Pirates); Joe Fortunato of the Chicago Bears; coach Woody Hayes; Spud
Hughes, inventor of menthol cigarettes; and Bill (Lil Squirt) Albaugh,
spokesperson for Squirt soda. Renowned singing groups include The
Antones, The Stereos, Buddy Sharp and the Shakers, The Mingo Men, and
Bob Parissi of Wild Cherry. Among major movies filmed in the town are
Reckless, Hearts of Steel, and 1978 Academy Award winner The Deer
Hunter.