Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area facts for kids

The Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area is a special place in southwestern Pennsylvania. It's like a big outdoor museum that helps us learn about the history of steelmaking in the region. This area is mostly around the Ohio, Monongahela, and lower Allegheny rivers, with Pittsburgh at its center.

You can visit important spots here, like the Carrie Furnace and the Pinkerton's Landing Bridge. These places were once part of the huge Homestead Steel Works. They show us how steel was made long ago.

What is the Rivers of Steel Area?

This special heritage area covers several counties in Pennsylvania. These include Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.

It was officially created in 1996. The Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation manages it. This group also wants to create a Homestead Steel Works National Park, focusing on the amazing Carrie Blast Furnaces.

Where Can You Learn More?

The main visitor center for the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area is in Homestead. You can find it in the historic Bost Building. This building also houses a museum and the offices for the heritage area. It's a great place to start your visit and discover more about the region's steel history.