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Settlers Cabin Park.

Settlers Cabin Park

Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve.

Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve

Three Rivers Heritage Trail.

Three Rivers Heritage Trail

Montour Woods Conservation Area.

Montour Woods Conservation Area

Frick Park.

Frick Park

Riverview Park.

Riverview Park

Emerald View Park.

Emerald View Park

Fountain at Highland Park on a cloudy day.

Highland Park

Building at Schenley Park.

Schenley Park

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THE HISTORY OF PITTSBURGH

Pittsburgh is known as “The Gateway to the West” thanks to its ideal location at the intersection of three major waterways. It was founded in 1758 right where the Allegheny River and Monongahela River join together to form the Ohio River.

Pittsburgh’s position made it a titan of early trade in America, and it’s recognized as the official starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. By the mid-1800s, Pittsburgh had become one of the largest cities in the West. But the city’s story isn’t all smooth sailing; over 1000 buildings burned down during the Great Fire of Pittsburgh in 1845.

The city recovered, rebuilt in part by Irish immigrants escaping the Great Famine. By the 20th century, the city had grown to over a half million. By World War II, they had the manpower to produce 95 million tons of steel for the war effort.

Following WWII, Pittsburgh took the initiative to develop a cleaner, greener environment. The city launched revitalization projects to clean up the air and the rivers and invest in cultural development, creating the vibrant, artistic city we know and love today.

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