List of Pennsylvania state historical markers in Allegheny County facts for kids

This is a list of the Pennsylvania state historical markers in Allegheny County.

These markers are special signs placed around Allegheny County, Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). They help us learn about important people, places, and events that happened here. Think of them as outdoor history lessons! There are currently 148 historical markers in Allegheny County, each telling a unique story about the area's past.

Discovering Allegheny County's History Through Markers
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Discovering Allegheny County's History Through Markers

Important Moments in Labor and Industry

The 1909 McKee's Rocks Strike

In 1909, a big strike happened at the Pressed Steel Car Company in McKee's Rocks. Workers were unhappy with their low pay and tough working conditions. This marker, placed on October 14, 2000, remembers this important event in labor history. It shows how workers fought for better rights.

Police and striking workers during the 1909 McKee's Rocks Strike.

The Great Steel Strike of 1919

Another major labor event was the Great Steel Strike of 1919. Steelworkers across the country, including in Braddock, went on strike for better wages and working hours. This marker, dedicated on September 23, 1994, reminds us of this big moment in the history of steel and workers' rights.

Steelworkers leaving a mill during the 1919 strike.

First Drive-In Filling Station

Imagine a time when you couldn't just pull up to a gas station! The very first drive-in filling station opened in Pittsburgh. This marker, from July 11, 2000, celebrates this invention that changed how people got gas for their cars. It was a big step in the history of transportation and business.

The first drive-in filling station in Pittsburgh.

Early Coal Mining in Pittsburgh

Did you know Pittsburgh has a long history with coal? The first mining of Pittsburgh Coal happened right here. A marker on Mount Washington, placed on April 18, 1985, tells us about this important industry that helped Pittsburgh grow. Coal was a key fuel for homes and factories.

Mount Washington, where early coal mining took place.

The Westinghouse Electric Corporation

George Westinghouse was a brilliant inventor who created the Westinghouse Electric Corporation. This company, honored by a marker on October 1, 1986, played a huge role in bringing electricity to homes and businesses. Westinghouse's inventions powered the world!

An early catalog from the Westinghouse Electric Company.

The Westinghouse Railroad Air Brake

Another amazing invention by George Westinghouse was the railroad air brake. This invention made trains much safer by allowing them to stop more reliably. A marker dedicated on July 23, 2011, in the Strip District, highlights this important step in transportation safety.

Notable People and Their Legacies

Andrew Carnegie: Steel Giant and Philanthropist

Andrew Carnegie, a famous industrialist and giver.

Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) was a Scottish-American industrialist who led the expansion of the American steel industry. He was also a very generous person, giving away much of his wealth to build libraries, schools, and museums. This marker, from April 18, 1996, is near the Carnegie Museum, one of his many gifts to Pittsburgh.

Art Blakey: Jazz Drummer Extraordinaire

Art Blakey (1919-1990) was a legendary jazz drummer and bandleader. Born in Pittsburgh, he became famous for his powerful and energetic drumming style. A marker on Chauncey Street in the Hill District, dedicated on August 26, 2007, celebrates his contributions to music and African American culture.

Art Blakey playing the drums.

Arthur J. Rooney: The Chief of Football

Arthur J. Rooney (1901-1988), known as "The Chief," was the founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team. He was a beloved figure in sports history. This marker, placed on June 3, 2005, in Coulter, honors his legacy in football and his Irish heritage.

August Wilson: Playwright of the People

August Wilson (1945-2005) was a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright. His plays often explored the African American experience in the 20th century. A marker on Bedford Avenue in the Hill District, dedicated on May 30, 2007, remembers this important writer and his powerful stories.

A marker honoring August Wilson in Pittsburgh.

Rachel Carson: Environmental Pioneer

Rachel Carson (1907-1964) was a famous marine biologist and conservationist. Her book, "Silent Spring," warned about the dangers of pesticides and helped start the modern environmental movement. This marker, from May 20, 1988, in Springdale, honors her work in science and protecting our planet.

Rachel Carson, a pioneer in environmental science.

Stephen C. Foster: American Songwriter

Stephen C. Foster (1826-1864) was a famous American songwriter, known for songs like "Oh! Susanna" and "Camptown Races." He was born in Pittsburgh. A marker at his homestead in Lawrenceville, dedicated on July 4, 1976, celebrates his contributions to American music.

Stephen C. Foster, a famous American songwriter.

Johnny Unitas: Football Legend

Johnny Unitas (1933-2002) was one of the greatest quarterbacks in football history. He grew up in Pittsburgh. A marker at Arsenal Middle School Field, placed on September 4, 2004, honors his amazing career in sports.

Johnny Unitas signing autographs in 1964.

Helen Richey: Aviation Pioneer

Helen Richey (1909-1947) was a groundbreaking female aviator. She was the first woman to be hired as a pilot for a commercial airline in the United States. This marker, dedicated on October 1, 2002, in McKeesport, celebrates her courage and achievements in aviation.

Helen Richey in 1929.

Key Historical Sites and Events

Allegheny Arsenal: A Civil War Landmark

The Allegheny Arsenal was an important military factory during the Civil War. It produced weapons and supplies for the Union Army. This marker, from June 1, 1967, in Lawrenceville, tells us about its role in military history.

The Allegheny Arsenal building.

Allegheny Observatory: Stargazing and Science

The Allegheny Observatory is a famous astronomical observatory. It has been a center for studying stars and planets for many years. This marker, dedicated on November 2, 1979, in Riverview Park, highlights its importance in education and science.

The Allegheny Observatory.

Fort Pitt: A Frontier Stronghold

Fort Pitt was a crucial fort during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. It was built at the forks of the Ohio River, where Pittsburgh stands today. A marker in Point State Park, from May 8, 1959, reminds us of this important military site.

An illustration of Fort Pitt in 1776.

The First Professional Football Game

Did you know the first professional football game was played in Pittsburgh? A marker near Heinz Field, dedicated on November 3, 1992, celebrates this historic moment in sports. It's a fun fact for any football fan!

Pudge Heffelfinger, one of the first professional football players.

The First World Series

Baseball history was made in Pittsburgh too! The very first World Series was played here in 1903. A marker near PNC Park, from September 18, 1998, commemorates this exciting event that started a major tradition in baseball.

Exposition Park in Pittsburgh during the 1903 World Series.

Forbes Field: Home of Champions

Forbes Field was a famous baseball and football stadium in Pittsburgh for many years. It was home to the Pirates and Steelers. A marker near the University of Pittsburgh campus, placed on July 7, 2006, remembers this iconic sports venue.

The exterior of Forbes Field.

Kennywood Park: A Place for Fun

Kennywood Park is a historic amusement park that has brought joy to generations. A marker just outside its North Gate, from August 5, 1992, celebrates this beloved park and its role in local recreation.

The new gates at Kennywood Park.

The Salk Polio Vaccine: A Medical Breakthrough

The polio vaccine, developed by Dr. Jonas Salk, was a huge medical breakthrough that saved countless lives. This marker, dedicated on April 12, 2005, at Salk Hall at the University of Pittsburgh, honors this incredible achievement in medicine and science.

Dr. Jonas Salk at the University of Pittsburgh.

Station WQED: Educational Television Pioneer

Station WQED was the first community-supported educational television station in the United States. It brought learning and entertainment into homes. A marker at its headquarters, from August 20, 1964, celebrates its pioneering role in television and education.

The WQED Headquarters in Pittsburgh.

The Steamboat "New Orleans": River Travel History

The steamboat "New Orleans" was the first steamboat to travel down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. This marked a new era in river transportation. A marker on First Avenue in Pittsburgh, dedicated on October 15, 2011, remembers this important journey.

Three Rivers Stadium: A Sports Icon

Three Rivers Stadium was a major sports stadium in Pittsburgh, home to the Steelers and Pirates for many years. A marker near Heinz Field, from November 26, 2007, remembers this important part of Pittsburgh's sports history.

Three Rivers Stadium.

The University of Pittsburgh: A Center for Learning

The University of Pittsburgh is a large and historic university. A marker on its campus, dedicated on November 2, 1979, highlights its long history of education and its impact on the region.

The Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh.

Images for kids

Allegheny Cotton Mill Strikes
Arthur J. Rooney
Avery College
Billy Eckstine
Bouquet Camp
Braddock's Crossing
Braddock's Field
Carnegie Hero Fund Commission
Chartier's Town
Daisy E. Lampkin
David L. Lawrence
Duquesne Steel Works
Billy Eckstine
First Aluminum Observatory Dome
Forbes Road (Bouquet's Breastworks)
Forbes Road, 1758, Fort Bedford to Fort Duquesne - The Bouquet Encampment (PLAQUE)
Founding Convention of the CIO
Founding of Ironworkers Union
Frank E. Bolden
Greenlee Field
Hand's Hospital
Heidelberg Raceway and Sports Arena
James Hay Reed
Jane Holmes
John M. Phillips
John Scull
John T. Comès
Joshua (Josh) Gibson
K. Leroy Irvis
Kennedy-Nixon Taft-Hartley Debate
Kier Refinery
Kuskusky Path
Lewis and Clark Expedition
McClurg Iron Foundry
Michael A. Musmanno
Monongahela River Navigation System
National Tube Works
Pennsylvania Canal
Pioneer Short-Wave Station
Pittsburgh Agreement (The)
Pittsburgh Glass Works
Pittsburgh Grease Plant
Pittsburgh Platform
Presston
Queen Aliquippa
Robert Lee Vann
Shadyside Iron Furnace
Shannopin's Town
Shousetown Boatyard
Sisters of Mercy
Union Local 471 American Federation of Musicians
Westinghouse Atom Smasher
William T. Kerr