The history of electric traction begins in the late nineteenth century as people searched for an economical and rapid form of transportation. The Kittanning Traction Company was chartered in 1890 for the purpose of constructing a trolley line in Kittanning. No activity followed until 1898, when the Kittanning and Ford City Street Railway Company was formed. The first trip went from South Jefferson Street in Kittanning to McCain and returned in July of 1899. Regular service began in August of that year. People could ride both closed and open or "breezers" on the line. The line was eventually extended south to Christy's Grove and north to Cowanshannock. Christy's Grove was renamed Lenape Park.

Trolley companies often got involved in local electric companies and helped spread power lines across many rural areas. In 1907, the Kittanning and Leechburg Railways Company (name changed from a merger in 1904) purchased the Kittanning Electric Light Company and in 1911 both were acquired by West Penn Traction Company which became West Penn Railways Company in 1917. This company was one of two subsidiaries of West Penn Traction and Water Power Company. The other subsidiary was West Penn Power Company which recently became Allegheny Power. (Their orange trucks are painted "Traction Orange")

Trolley service ended in Armstrong County in November of 1936. The new overpass of the Pennsylvania Railroad at the southern end of Water Street in Kittanning was being built and it would have cost the trolley company too much money to move their rails over from Jefferson Street. Busses replaced the trolleys and the line from Cowanshannock to Ford City was removed in that same year.

The other trolley line in Armstrong County traveled along the Kiskiminetas River between Leechburg and Apollo. This historic valley, at one time or another, hosted travel by boat on the river, barge on the Pennsylvania Canal, trains on the Pennsylvania Railroad, automobiles on state highways and trolleys.

The Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley Street Railway Company operated a trial run on March 15, 1906 and opened for regular operation on March 23, 1906. Problems with the power supply constantly plaqued the company and control was sold to West Penn Traction Company in August of 1911. Things did not substantially improve as far as finances were concerned and the parent company instituted various fare plans and special rates to increase ridership.

The end came in a very dramatic way as the Kiskiminetas River overflowed its banks on March 17, 1936 and completely destroyed two miles of track and the substation. The line never reopened and busses from Penn Transit replaced the trolleys.