Johnstown was founded in 1800 by Joseph Johns (originally "Schantz") at the confluence of the Stonycreek and Little Conemaugh rivers, which together form the Conemaugh River.

The city grew significantly as an industrial powerhouse during the 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming a major center for coal mining and steel production due to its rich natural resources and strategic location.

Johnstown is tragically famous for the Great Flood of May 31, 1889, when the catastrophic failure of the South Fork Dam resulted in the release of 20 million tons of water, killing over 2,200 people in one of the deadliest disasters in U.S. history.

Geographically, Johnstown is nestled in a deep river valley within the Allegheny Mountains of southwestern Pennsylvania, a topographical feature that historically contributed to its industrial development but also its vulnerability to severe flooding.

The city experienced two other major floods in 1936 and 1977, which, along with the 1889 disaster, led to extensive federal investment in flood control systems, including the construction of a comprehensive concrete channel.

Johnstown's population peaked in the 1920s at over 67,000 residents but has steadily declined since the latter half of the 20th century, reflecting the widespread economic downturn and loss of jobs in heavy industry across the Rust Belt.

The decline of the steel and coal industries in the late 20th century severely impacted Johnstown's economy, leading to significant job losses and a shift away from its manufacturing-centric past.

The Johnstown Inclined Plane, built in 1891, is a prominent local landmark and one of the world's steepest vehicular inclined planes, providing transportation and panoramic views between the city and the hilltop borough of Westmont.

Culturally, Johnstown has a rich heritage shaped by diverse immigrant groups from Europe, including Slovaks, Poles, Italians, and Welsh, who arrived to work in the mines and mills, contributing to its unique traditions and cuisine.

The Johnstown Flood National Memorial and the Johnstown Flood Museum serve as vital educational institutions, preserving the history and memory of the 1889 disaster and its profound impact on the region and national engineering practices.

Today, Johnstown's economy has diversified, with a growing focus on healthcare, education, defense-related industries, and tourism, as it strives for revitalization in the post-industrial era.

Johnstown is home to Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC), a nationally recognized applied research and development organization that contributes to national defense and manufacturing innovation, highlighting its role in scientific and technological advancements.

The city supports a vibrant arts scene, including the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, and the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, showcasing its commitment to cultural enrichment.

Johnstown has a notable history in ice hockey, famously serving as the inspiration for the fictional town of "Charlestown" in the iconic 1977 film "Slap Shot," which depicted the gritty world of minor league hockey.

Annually, Johnstown hosts the "Thunder in the Valley" motorcycle rally, a major event that draws thousands of visitors and significantly boosts the local economy and community engagement.