|
Pittsburgh is a dynamic city with a rich history and promising future, one that is
used to re-inventing itself and building on its strengths. It is a friendly,
hard-nosed city whose fabric is woven from the diverse, hard-working immigrant
groups that settled the many hills and valleys near its three rivers, celebrating
and sharing their culture in a way that defines America's "melting pot".
The region was first recognized as being a key to westward expansion by French
explorer Robert LaSalle in 1669. By 1750, both the French and English struggled
for control, as evidenced by the French Fort Duquesne (1754) and the English Fort
Pitt (1758-72) at the "Forks of the Ohio", now Point State Park in downtown Pittsburgh.
English dominance was secured through the French & Indian War (1754-63), but indirectly
set the stage for the American Revolution a decade later.
After the devastating "Fire of 1845", the city recovered and grew in its role of an
industrial powerhouse, especially in the industries of iron, glass and steel.
At its peak it was a world leader in such industries, but eventually declined
until the 1980s when the city suffered industrial depression due to union difficulties
and economic deterioration.
Today the city is once again reinventing itself, featuring world-class universities
and medical facilities. The local economy has shifted to services, medicine and
high-technology. It boasts a thriving cultural district of theatre, ballet, opera
and the world-renown Pittsburgh Symphony. Pittsburgh is also well-known as a
gritty sports town on scholastic, collegiate and professional levels - and the
Steelers and Penguins are favorites nationally due to their hard-hitting reputations
that reflect the city, and the quality of ownership that sets them apart.
In 2008, the City of Pittsburgh is celebrating its 250th anniversary with a host
of events. This year is a great time to visit or re-discover Pittsburgh. There
is always plenty to do and see, including family-friendly attractions, events,
historical happenings and numerous outdoor opportunities.
|
