Posted in Pittsburgh
June 30, 2016
8 Historical Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit In Pittsburgh
This year marks a pretty special milestone for the city: Pittsburgh officially turned 200 years old back in March. While the city is hosting special events to commemorate the milestone throughout the year, you can also embrace the past by simply strolling around the city where you’re likely to bump into historical landmarks just about every where you turn. Here are just eight of the many historical landmarks that adorn the city of Pittsburgh (and a bit beyond):
It's probably safe to say that none of us were around when the Old Allegheny County Jail first appeared on the Pittsburgh landscape in 1886. Designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, the stunning Romanesque-style building housed prisoners – including the ghost of one who committed suicide, according to local lore – until 1995 when the new Allegheny County Jail opened. Today, visitors can tour what remains of the old jail. The rest of the jail has been devoted to the family division of the Allegheny County Courthouse.
Sports play a large part of Pittsburgh's history and nothing reflects that history better than the Forbes Field Outfield Wall. All that remains of the site of Bill Mazeroski's famous World Series home run in 1960 is the outfield wall, still partially covered with ivy (not pictured). Find directions to Forbes Field Outfield
here.
Ninety-seven thousand schoolchildren donated the few pennies, sometimes a nickel or a dime, they could spare to help with the construction of the Cathedral of Learning, designed to inspire kids of all generations to embrace learning. The cathedral opened in 1937, becoming a towering landmark in the Oakland skyline.
Perched atop Mount Washington sits Chatham Village, a historic community dating back to 1936. Originally designed for poorer Pittsburghers, Chatham Village was meant to illustrate that people of all economic backgrounds could live in both beautiful and affordable living. With time, however, more affluent Pittsburghers moved into the community. Today, Chatham Village welcomes visitors to its cooperative community.
Fort Pitt Blockhouse, Pittsburgh's oldest structure that dates back to 1764, has a vibrant history. From being used as a fort to protect soldiers from the Native Americans and serving as a trading post, to becoming a one-family home until it was transformed into the museum it remains today.
Countless Pittsburghers cross the Hot Metal Street Bridge – by car, by bike, and on foot – each day, going from Oakland to the South Side, or vice-versa, over the Monongahela River. The bridge, which dates back to 1900, earned its moniker from its original role as the connector that trains used to transport hot metal from one side of the city to the other.
Step back in time when you visit the Neill Log House in Schenley Park. The Neill family originally called the log house, built in 1790, home and it would eventually end up belonging to the Schenley family. The Neill Log House now sits on land in Schenley Park and welcomes visitors by appointment.
Get a firsthand look at the tight quarters in which Navy Sailors lived and worked – often in charge of classified missions – at the end of World War II. The submarine, docked outside of the Carnegie Science Center, promises a unique experience for visitors aboard the United States' Navy's very first Radar Picket submarine.
Pittsburgh has such a rich history you can likely turn around and discover something new. These eight historical landmarks in Pittsburgh are certainly a great start to exploring the city’s rich history. You might also want to add these unique places to your list of must-visit places in the Burgh.