Vintage Photographs of Pittsburgh, it’s history and people.
1839-1849
En route to Washington for his inauguration, President-elect William H. Harrison visited the city.
Charles Dickens, the English author, arrived with his wife at the Exchange Hotel, Penn Avenue at Sixth, for a three-day visit.
The covered wooden bridge over the Monongahela River at Smithfield Street was replaced by a wire suspension one, the first so constructed by John Roebling, builder of the Brooklyn Bridge
A second cut, this one seven feet, was made in the "Hump."
Puddlers and boilers in iron mills began a five-month strike in protest against a reduction in wages; this action led to later organization of the Sons of Vulcan.
1850-1859
In the city's greatest musical event of the era, Jenny Lind, under the management of Phineas T. Barnum, sang at Masonic Hall, Fifth Avenue, before 1000 persons who paid an average of $7 each for tickets sold on auction.
The Jones and Laughlin Steel Company began as the American Iron Company, founded in 1852 by Bernard Lauth and B. F. Jones, a few milessouth of Pittsburgh along the Monongahela River.
James Laughlin, a banker and merchant, built the first two Eliza blast furnaces with beehive coke ovens, on the north side of the Monongahela River, directly opposite the Jones, Lauth plant. The new plant was known as Laughlin and Company.
1860-1869
1870-1879
The monument, dedicated in 1871, honors the Battles of Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Antietam and Appomattox and the four thousand Allegheny County soldiers who died in the Civil War.
The Point Bridge was opened in April 1877. The light construction of this bridge was, however, in the end a drawback because the company did not maintain it properly.
Bridges at the Point
1880-1889
Jones and Laughlin Gas Well, located at 26th Street in the mill yard. First gas well to be drilled in Pittsburgh. Note Limited Lumber Yard sign on adjoining property.
Lance's Brick Yard Showing the location of Jones and Laughlin in the 24th Ward.
Brilliant Hill Waterworks July 1885
Old 24th Ward Showing Old Bessie Track over which coal was hauled from coal mine to mill in the background St Peters Church in the Center.
This class of blooming mill engine is generally used in the Pittsburgh district.
Jones and Laughlin constructed two seven-ton Bessemer converters at the South Side plant for the job of making its first steel.
Brownstown from hill above Second Ave. Jones and Laughlin on right of picture.
Erecting bridge over the Monongahela River connectingthe Blast Furnace with Mill Jones and Laughlin. Note old style boiler on bridge to the left of center pier, also men working on bridge.
Unloading Coal from old wooden barges Elizabeth blast furnace.
The new Allegheny County courthouse and jail, designed by H. H. Richardson, was dedicated on the final day of the county's centennial anniversary.
Pittsburgh Courthouse looking down to the Stock Yards. Allegheny County Courthouse and jail at time of dedication (note the flags flying on the tower). The official dedication of the building was July 4th.
1890-1899
1900-1909
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) won a legal suit to prevent removal of the historic Blockhouse from its original site at the Point.
The first of baseball's modern World Series ended in Pittsburgh before 7455 persons at Exposition Park; the Pirates were defeated by Boston, 4 to 3, and lost the Series three games to five
The historic old Union Bridge, built about 1835 over the Allegheny River at the Point, was closed to traffic, and dismantling of it began.
Centennial Parade.
Centennial Parade.