Duquesne Incline facts for kids
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| Overview | |
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| Headquarters | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Locale | 1220 Grandview Ave., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Dates of operation | May 17, 1877–present |
| Technical | |
| Track gauge | 5 ft (1,524 mm) |
| Length | 800 feet (244 m) |
| Other | |
| Website | duquesneincline.org |
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Duquesne Incline
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 Location in Pittsburgh
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Built | 1877 |
| Architect | Samuel Diescher |
| Architectural style | Second Empire, T pattern |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001609 |
| Added to NRHP | March 4, 1975 |
The Duquesne Incline is a funicular located near Pittsburgh's South Side neighborhood and scaling Mt. Washington in Pennsylvania, United States. Designed by Samuel Diescher, the incline was completed in 1877 and is 800 feet (244 m) long, 400 feet (122 m) in height, and is inclined at a 30-degree angle. It is an unusual for United States (but standard for Finland, Mongolia and ex-USSR) track gauge of 5 ft (1,524 mm).
History
Originally steam powered, the Duquesne Incline was built to carry cargo up and down Mt. Washington in the late 19th century. It later carried passengers, particularly Mt. Washington residents who were tired of walking up footpaths to the top. Inclines were then being built all over Mt. Washington. But as more roads were built on “Coal Hill” most of the other inclines were closed. By the end of the 1960s, only the Monongahela Incline and the Duquesne Incline remained.
In 1962, the incline was closed, apparently for good. Major repairs were needed, and with so few patrons, the incline's private owners did little. But local Duquesne Heights residents launched a fund-raiser to help the incline. It was a huge success, and on July 1, 1963, the incline reopened under the auspices of a non-profit organization dedicated to its preservation.
The incline has since been totally refurbished. The cars, built by the J. G. Brill and Company of Philadelphia, have been stripped of paint to reveal the original wood. An observation deck was added at the top affording a view of Pittsburgh's "Golden Triangle", and the Duquesne Incline is now one of the city's most popular tourist attractions.
Gallery
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Lower building
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The view upwards when ascending the incline
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Interior view looking towards the Pittsburgh skyline
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Lobby of the lower station
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Platform of the lower station
