Pittsburgh
Transitions
Pittsburgh was founded on November 25, 1758. Early on, Pittsburgh played an important role in our country’s history. In the early 1800s, the city became known as the “Gateway to the West.” This nickname referenced the huge advantage Pittsburgh had by having the intersection of three major waterways. The Allegheny River and Monongahela River join together at what is known as the “point” to form the Ohio River. This intersection opened the gates for Pittsburgh to lead the way in the trade industry for products such as coal, timber, natural gas, iron and limestone. By 1911, Pittsburgh manufactured half of the nation’s steel. Due to the amount of pollution given off by the steel factories the city had a new nickname - “The Smoky City."
Throughout the years, Pittsburgh has made multiple changes and overcome many obstacles. The city has moved from the steel industry to healthcare, education, technology, and financial services. What were once heavily polluted streets are now clear due to the restrictions on factories. Companies such as Google, RAND, PNC and Highmark have emerged and are now calling Pittsburgh home.
Population Statistics
Pennsylvania is the sixth largest populated state in the United States. Pittsburgh is the second largest city in Pennsylvania and has an estimated of 310,000 people. The population consists of 51.9% females and 48.9% males, with the average age being 33.
- Caucasian = 66%
- African American = 26%
- Asian = 4%
- Hispanic = 2%
Community
The City of Pittsburgh offers everything a person might be looking for in a home, with its wonderful shopping areas, great restaurants, and beautiful views. The Strip District is a wonderful market spot known for its variety of food and an excellent shopping with unique stores. The neighborhood known as Shadyside is another fantastic region of Pittsburgh to find trendy shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for authentic homemade Italian food, Bloomfield or “Pittsburgh’s Little Italy” is the place for you. If you’re looking for more of a creative and artistic side of Pittsburgh, pass through the neighborhood of Lawrenceville.
East Liberty is known as for business and industries. Looking for a fun night out on the town? Southside has a fun and exciting nightlife full of clubs, sports bars, and laid back pubs. Wanting to catch a game or spend some quality time with your loved ones? The North Shore or North Side is the place to be. Mt. Washington is the high point of Pittsburgh; it gives the residents of Pittsburgh and tourists a beautiful view of this magnificent city. Finally, Downtown, like most downtown districts, has great food, dining, parks, plazas, and art museums.
Sports Teams
Steelers
Arthur J. Rooney founded the famous football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers on July 8, 1933 . Since then, the team has won seven AFC Central titles and four AFC championships. They also became the first NFL team to win four Super Bowls and are the only team to ever win back-to-back Super Bowl twice. They now have six Super Bowl wins, with the most recent happening after Super Bowl XLIII.
Penguins
Pittsburgh was honored to become the home of the Penguins in 1967. Mario Lemieux, the team's current owner, played for the team from 1984 to 2005. The Penguins have appeared in the playoffs 28 times, won their division eight times, and earned the President’s Trophy in 1993. The Penguins have won the Stanley Cup four times as well, with the most recent championship happening in 2016.
Pirates
The Pirates are the oldest professional sports team in Pittsburgh. The team played their first National League game on A pril 30, 1887, defeating the Chicago White Stockings. In 2007 Robert Nutting, a native from West Virginia took over as owner. The Pirates have won their division eight times and the National League Championship nine times. They have won the World Series five times, most recently in 1979.
Cultural Activities
Pittsburgh has some of the greatest attractions in Pennsylvania. If you’re looking for a fun place to bring the family, the Carnegie Science Center and SportCenter is an excellent choice. There, children will gain education by exploring and entertaining themselves through programs in technology, sports, and science. The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is another popular site for families. There are also fantastic museums and educational centers such as the Andy Warhol Museum, Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, the Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center.
All of these places offer amazing history and ancient artifacts. Pittsburgh also has some of the most talented performers to have ever graced the stages of the Benedum Center, Harris Theater, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts. These are all must see attractions in Pittsburgh.
Education
Pittsburgh is a home to some of the finest educational facilities. The goals of the Pittsburgh Public Schools are to accelerate student achievement, eliminate racial inequalities, foster innovations and create positive atmosphere. There are a total of 87 elementary schools, 70 high schools, 63 specialty and other schools located in Pittsburgh. For higher education there are countless and qualified options. The University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Carlow University, Point Park University, and Carnegie Mellon University are just a few universities located in the City of Pittsburgh. There are even more outside the city such as Robert Morris University, Washington & Jefferson, and La Roche College.
Shopping
Pittsburgh is home to some of the greatest shopping locations. Shadyside shopping is a 3-block stretch of retailers that range from less familiar specialty shops to popular brands on the well-known Walnut Street. Across from the Monongahela River is the famous Station Square complex that offers not only amazing shopping center, but also terrific dining and excellent entertainment. The South Side Works is another trendy shopping area that is a must visit; most shops and boutiques are located on the famous East Carson Street. The Strip District is another interesting place to shop during weekends the streets are lined with fresh produce and imported foods. In Pittsburgh there are a wide variety of shopping centers and locations to shop.