A walking tour of Cambria City's historic district offers an opportunity to learn about the area's industrial past. The city's founder, David McConaughy, purchased a large tract for worker housing across the Conemaugh River and laid out town lots. He sold the lots to his employees. This early population boom led to the creation of three ethnic churches, commercial businesses, and a fire department.
In Cambria City, KS, 92.8% of residents are white, and only 0.9% are black or Asian. One percent of residents are Hispanic, and a small percentage are of mixed race. The median household income is $62,308. The high school graduation rate is 82%. The city's rebased population statistics are based on census block data, so they may not be completely accurate.
Most of the city's buildings were constructed without any significant architectural details. Although they are simple and functional, many feature a variety of decorative brickwork and corbelled chimneys. Brick row houses are uncommon, but do exist. Some have simple turn-of-the-century trim, like the porch of 817 Chestnut Street. Some have more elaborate Colonial Revival porches.
The Cambria Iron Company, located in Johnstown, PA, was a major steel producer in the late nineteenth century, outproducing Cleveland and Pittsburgh. It also produced much of the nation's barbed wire during the second half of the 19th century. The city's economy thrived during this time because of the high demand for barbed wire in the western U.S. In addition to its industrial heritage, the Cambria Works owned 40,000 acres of valuable mineral lands and a ready supply of limestone, iron, and coal.