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Pittsburgh is strategically located at the junction of the Allegheny,
Ohio and Monongahela Rivers. The strategic nature of the three rivers
was not lost on our first president, George Washington, who recommended
that a fort be built on its location. In early 1754 the British sent
Captain William Trent to begin the construction of that fort at the
Point. The fort was never completed before it was overrun with French
and Native troops who completed it and named it Fort Duquense. Four years
later the British regained possession of the Point when General John
Forbes drove out the French, destroying their fort. Forbes erected a
new fort named Fort Pitt in honor of British Prime Minister William
Pitt in September 1759. A brick blockhouse, completed outside the fort's
walls, still stands today. Within five years John Campbell produced
the first town plan for "Pittsbourgh."
Pittsburgh's growth exploded after the Revolutionary War as it became
a staging area for travel further west down the Ohio River. It was during
this period that Pittsburgh proudly bore the title of "Gateway
to the West." Between 1800 and 1816 the population increased from
1,500 to over 10,000 residents.
In 1816, Pittsburgh officially became a city known for its iron, steel
and glass industries. The industries of the 1800' s and early 1900's
cast a black haze over the city requiring that street lights burn 24
hours a day to light the way. However now in the 21st century, Pittsburgh
is completing its renaissance. High technology enterprises, including
robotics, computer software, biotechnology and environmental engineering,
have supplanted iron and steel as major industries, and the city still
ranks as a large corporate headquarters.
  Culturally,
Pittsburgh has also grown with two newly completed sports arenas. PNC
Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Heinz Stadium,home of the
Pittsburgh Steelers.
To explore more of what Pittsburgh has to offer. Please visit the links
below. You will be surprised to see what this city can offer you and
your family.
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