North Shore in Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Allegheny City
Three Rivers Heritage Trail
Near this site in 1783, James Robinson, the first permanent European settler on this side of the river, built a log house and a ferry boat landing. Four years later, a new town called Allegheny was laid out as an Engilsh village with a town square surrounded by a commons. After the Pennsylvania Canal from Philadelphia was built through the town in 1829, Allegheny evolved from an agricultural village to a thriving industrial city. Red brick cotton mills, an iron works, and other factories lined the riverfront.
After the Civil War, the citizens of Allegheny transformed their village commons into a beautiful, landscaped park system. While Pittsburgh was the "Smoky City," Allegheny was the "City of Parks" with over 100 acres of parklands. The Allegheny Commons became one of the first public parks west of the Allegheny Mountains. Designed in 1869, the park continues to exhibit a beautiful urban landscape design.
Pittsburgh and Allegheny City were twin cities until 1907 when Pittsburgh became the nation's eighth largest city by annexing Allegheny.
Erected by Friends of the Riverfront with support from Pennsylvania DCNR, Steel Industry Heritage Corporation, City of Pittsburgh, Koppers.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1783.
Location. 40° 26.819′ N, 80° 0.17′ W. Marker is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in Allegheny County. It is in North Shore. Marker can be reached from North Shore Trail. Located on Pittsburgh's North Shore Trail on the North Side. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pittsburgh PA 15212, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Allegheny Cotton Mill Strikes (a few steps from this marker); "Piazza Lavoro" and "Mythic Source," 1984 (within shouting distance of this marker); "The Forks," 1984 (within shouting distance of this marker); "Pittsburgh Variations," 1984 (within shouting distance of this marker); "The Great One" (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Frederick J Osterling Office & Studio (about 700 feet away); Timber Court (about 700 feet away); Seventh Street Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pittsburgh.
Also see . . . Allegheny City Society. (Submitted on November 3, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 688 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on February 2, 2022, by Kelsey Ripper of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 3, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.