Like many other Beaver County communities, Freedom's history is closely associated with the river. Until 1832, the land on either side of Dutchman's Run was forest, extending north to the stately home of Abner Lacock (in what is now Freedom's north end) and south to the newly built (1826) stone home of retired sea captain William Vicary.
The events leading to the establishment and development of the town of Freedom at this site began a few miles upstream, at Economy village. Here, a group of younger members broke away from the Harmony Society, and, in 1832, under the leadership of Count deLeon, purchased land in what is now Monaca, from boatbuilders Phillips and Betz. In turn, the partners bought land from both Lacock and Vicary at the mouth of Dutchman's Run, and within a few days, had a townsite surveyed and a row of shacks put up to house the boatyard workers from Phillipsburg. Within a few years, this ambitious village incorporated as the borough of Freedom (1838).
Soon after the establishment of Freedom, Captain Vicary surveyed a townsite on his land south of Dutchman's Run. At first it was called "Vicary", but in 1867, the village was incorporated and named for General Arthur St. Clair. The southernmost part of town, "Vicary Extension" (south of Harvey's Run) was annexed at a later date. Freedom's post office and other institutions served both communities, and, in 1896, they merged into one borough. Today, the former towns remain separated by Dutchman's Run and only Third Street connects them.
In terms of tonnage, Freedom became the leader in steamboat construction in Beaver County. The firm of Phillips and Betz was soon succeeded by Phillips and Graham, and, in time, by the Freedom Boat Building Society. With other firms in adjacent yards, at least 108 steamboats were built here, plus many barges and other craft.
The Valvoline Oil Company, Freedom's largest industry, was for many years known as the Freedom Oil Company. More than one hundred years ago, the Excelsior Oil Works occupied the same location. The Freedom Casket Company, located along Dutchman's Run, was founded in 1895 as the Craig Manufacturing Company.
Freedom's close association with the river has led to a history of serious flooding. As early as 1832, the home of General Lacock was flooded and his extensive library was destroyed. Six serious floods in the twentieth century have threatened Freedom's main street.
The greatest impact on Freedom, however, came in the decade of the seventies when much of Third Street and the business district were razed for construction of a four lane highway bypass. Many of the town's historical landmarks were demolished, and the Vicary House was threatened, but saved by public interest and action by the Beaver County Commissioners.
There were nine churches in or associated with Freedom in the mid 70's, the first having been organized shortly after the town was founded (now First United Methodist).
Freedom merged with Conway and New Sewickley to form the Freedom Area School District. The high school was built off Harvey's Run Road in New Sewickley Township in 1971.