Pittsburgh grew because of our many riches: timber from the forests, coal from the foothills, limestone, sandstone, clay in the soil, flax and cotton from the fields. The wood from our land supplied the necessary materials for the construction of rafts, boats and barges as a means of transport on our rivers, laying the foundations for the future industries of the town.
The fertile soil of our rich farmlands yielded more than those who cultivated it could consume. This surplus was sold or exchanged for other needs. It was mainly because of this agricultural wealth that Pittsburgh would become a manufacturing city. The inexhaustible deposits of coal in the immediate vicinity provided the city with all the fuel for the expansion of its iron and glass works, and in the early 19th century the iron industry began to take shape.
The men who built the businesses that Pittsburgh thrived on and great business endowed Pittsburgh with art collections, libraries, parks and more. Some of these early businessmen included Andrew Carnegie, Henry Clay Frick, Henry John Heinz, Thomas Mellon, and George Westinghouse.
Our universities are a mecca that attracts students from around the world: the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon, Duquesne University, Chatham College, Carlow University, and Point Park. Pittsburgh attracts the best young men and women to train here in all areas, including robotics, engineering, and medicine.
All of this makes the city a good place to live, but it doesn’t explain why Pittsburgh is a fun place to live. The “Burgh,” as Pittsburghians call it, is rich with its history and the character of those who live here. The streets are windy and many of the houses have not changed in many years, nor do the residents explain the charm of the neighborhoods. The shops and restaurants, some ethnic, are what make our city unique.
Every year there are several street fairs with local artists displaying their work alongside vendors offering food with local flavor. A Pittsburgh favorite is the Greek Food Festival that takes place in the Oakland area of the city. The Greek Orthodox Church sponsors it and its members lovingly prepare the food for months before the festival. The Three Rivers Festival of the Arts has been held for nearly fifty 50 years in the center of town and runs for seventeen days with art, music and food. The Pittsburgh Folk Festival is a multicultural celebration of more than 25 nationalities, celebrating its fifty-second year in Pittsburgh, where you can enjoy food and art.
Pittsburghers love our sports and are avid Steelers fans. A favorite pastime is strolling before games and grilling out Kielbasa, a local favorite. Pierogies are another local favourite, and we here at the “Burgh” eat more than almost anyone else in the nation. Primantis Pittsburgh Style Hoagie is another tradition where they make a meat-filled sandwich and top it with cole slaw and fries.
Anyone who lived in the Point Breeze area in the 1950s would remember the wonderful aroma coming from The National Biscuit Company. Although no longer there, many other memorabilia from the past are still a part of Pittsburgh today, such as Isaly’s, known for its chipped chopped ham, which made its debut in 1933. Isaly’s is also known for its plain chocolate-dipped ice cream bar . called the Klondike, now a national favorite. Another food originating from Pittsburgh and achieving national notoriety is the Clark Bar.
The Strip District is a popular area in Pittsburgh located adjacent to downtown and along the Allegheny River and the train station. This was once the center of the wholesale trade industry and is now a lively commercial area filled with restaurants and nightclubs.
If one really wants to get a taste of Pittsburgh, a stop on the “Strip” is a must. When looking for a Pittsburgh flavor to share with others, there are local businesses that specialize in Pittsburgh items.