A Year of Celebration

For most people who were born or grew up in Western Pennsylvania, it was always the same when asked, ‘Where are you from?’ The answer for me of course, would always be Pittsburgh.

Now I grew up in New Kensington, a small city about 18 miles up the Allegheny River from Pittsburgh. I’m reminded of my hometown every Holiday Season when I see Bedford Falls in It’s a Wonderful Life.

But, from my days in the Air Force to the present, when traveling, the answer is still the same. I’m from Pittsburgh! Of course, many times with more conversation, I would get more specific.

What I’m really getting at is that Pittsburgh is more than a city. It’s a region, an area. It’s Western Pennsylvania and the countryside.

Pittsburgh itself is located in Allegheny County with the focal point literally being a point. Downtown is a peninsula where three rivers come together to form a third river. The confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers never fails to bring a mention when the Pittsburgh Steelers are on national television.

There aren’t too many cities quite like Pittsburgh. With its three rivers, hills and valleys, and some 90 neighborhoods, Pittsburgh is indeed unique.

The city and area is steeped in history and tradition. George Washington came to the area as a young man scouting for the British. When he saw the Point, he described the land as “extremely well situated for a Fort; as it has absolute Command of both Rivers”

Pittsburgh celebrates its 250th Anniversary this year. It’s the city’s semiquincentennial. Try finding that in a dictionary.

For more facts, information, and firsts on Pittsburgh, be sure to see Fast Facts on Pittsburgh and the Region in this issue. If you’re here reading this, welcome.

And if you’re planning a future trip, I hope you find this issue of Pittsburgh Point helpful.

A. Robert Scott
Publisher/Owner

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