Pittsburgh, the Steel City, is known for its sports fanaticism, bridges, and industrial grit. But beyond the black and gold, this resilient city holds hidden charms and a treasure trove of surprising stories. Let’s uncover some of Pittsburgh’s quirky secrets:
- French Fries on Sandwiches?: Primanti Bros. is a Pittsburgh institution, famous for piling fries and coleslaw directly ON their sandwiches.
- Bridge City Champ: Pittsburgh has more bridges than Venice, Italy (446!), earning its nickname, the “City of Bridges”.
- Mr. Rogers‘ Neighborhood: Beloved children’s TV icon Fred Rogers filmed his show in Pittsburgh and called the city home.
- Pittsburgh-ese: Locals speak with a unique dialect, with words like “yinz” (you all), “redd up” (clean), and calling rubber bands “gum bands”.
- Cookie Table Tradition: Weddings in Pittsburgh often feature a massive cookie table, a tradition showcasing the baking prowess of family and friends.
- Ketchup Pioneer: Heinz was founded in Pittsburgh, and the iconic ketchup bottle design hails from the city.
- Steep Streets: Canton Avenue boasts a crazy 37% grade, making it one of the steepest streets in the US.
- “The Chair Shot Heard ‘Round the World”: A wild pro wrestling moment gone viral involved a Pittsburgh arena, a wrestler, and a folding chair.
- Zombie Movie Mecca: George Romero filmed his classic “Night of the Living Dead” near Pittsburgh, igniting the modern zombie film craze.
- Medical Marvels: Pittsburgh is a center for medical research and innovation, with the first polio vaccine developed here.
- Inclines for the Win: The Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines offer stunning city views and a unique mode of transportation up steep hillsides.
- First Gas Station: Records are a little fuzzy, but Pittsburgh claims to be home to the first-ever dedicated gas station, circa 1913.
- The Original Ferris Wheel: The world’s first Ferris Wheel debuted in 1893…not in Chicago, but originally in Pittsburgh!
- Fort Pitt’s Blockhouse: The oldest building in Western Pennsylvania is the Fort Pitt Blockhouse, dating back to 1764, a remnant of the city’s frontier days.
- Phipps Conservatory: This Victorian-era glasshouse is an oasis of botanical beauty in the heart of Oakland.
