Becks Run facts for kids

Becks Run is a small stream, also called a tributary, that flows into the Monongahela River. It's an urban stream, meaning it runs through a city area. Because of this, it gets some pollution from the city's water systems in places like Carrick (Pittsburgh) and Mount Oliver, Pennsylvania.

You can find a pretty waterfall on one of the smaller streams that feeds into Becks Run. This waterfall is located near where Wagner Avenue and Mountain Avenue meet.

History of Becks Run

Becks Run has an interesting past, especially with coal mining and railroads.

Coal Mining Along the Stream

For many years, there were several coal mines right along Becks Run. One of the most well-known was Becks Run #2. This mine was owned by the family of James H. Hays. To help move the coal, they used a special kind of railway called an incline and a railroad known as the H.B. Hays and Brothers Coal Railroad.

Other companies also operated coal mines in the area at different times. These included the Birmingham Coal Company, H.G. Burghman, Jones & Laughlin, and the Monongahela River Consolidated Coal and Coke Company.

The Pittsburgh and Beck's Run Railroad

Becks Run even had a railroad named after it! The Pittsburgh and Beck's Run Railroad operated from 1877 to 1880. This railway ran from the Smithfield Street Bridge all the way to the Jones and Laughlin Iron Works. Eventually, a bigger railroad company, the P&LE Railroad, took it over.

The Town of Becks Run

There used to be a small town called Becks Run. This town was located right where the Becks Run stream flows into the Monongahela River.