A Pittsburgh visit may not be the first destination that comes to mind for tourists, however if you are presented with the opportunity, it is a pleasant place to spend a little time.
I recently visited the city for family business and captured some images that give a macro view of the city and its environs.
Pittsburgh History
Certainly the topography of the area was the defining character of my Pittsburgh visit. Hills and rivers have molded the city into what it is today. The physical and economic history of the city are largely a result of the topography. The Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers form the boundary of the downtown triangle.
The confluence of the rivers was the site of multiple forts. During 1753-54, the British constructed Fort Prince George. The French followed with Fort Duquesne and eventually the British drove out the French. Fort Pitt was built from 1759 to 1761 during the French and Indian Wars. It was a gateway for settlers moving west from the source of the Ohio River. Fort Pitt offered protection from Native American raids in the area during the period following the French and Indian Wars.
River City Weather
Spring weather is very unpredictable and my Pittsburgh visit started with wind and snow flurries. After checking into my hotel near the University of Pittsburgh, I shot this view of the cold afternoon. Finally my visit ended with sunny skies and 70 degree temperatures.
Old School
A quick drive north of the city led me to a visit to the elementary school from my youth. Although the building looks unchanged, it is no longer a public school. The school opened in 1939 and closed in 1983. Today it is a private Christian Academy.
Pittsburgh has a large Italian community so a quick trip to an Italian grill took care of dinner. One of the perks of being in the Northeast!
Later the weather cleared near sunset and made for a cold and crisp night. This image, again from the hotel, shows the city under clear skies.
The Incline and Mt. Washington
One of the?best ways to get to Mt. Washington is to park at the bottom and take an incline to the top. More than a dozen inclines once existed, but today only two remain. We chose to travel up the Duquesne Incline. The incline opened in 1877 and is 800 feet long and 400 feet high. It travels at a steep 30-degree angle.
A polar projection of the city.
Finally, the flight home to Houston, Texas. This view of downtown was captured just minutes before landing at Houston Hobby Airport.
Although it was a very short trip, it was enjoyable and I wouldn’t hesitate a Pittsburgh visit again.