This year marks a pretty special milestone for the city: Pittsburgh officially turned 200 years old back in March. While the city is hosting special events to commemorate the milestone throughout the year, you can also embrace the past by simply strolling around the city where you’re likely to bump into historical landmarks in Pittsburgh just about everywhere you turn. It really does feature an incredible amount of historical sites and places to visit. If you are a history lover, Pittsburgh is an amazing spot for you to visit or live. When you’re in this city, you’ll never run out of things to do and intriguing historical facts to learn. Here are just eight of the many historical landmarks that adorn the city of Pittsburgh (and a bit beyond):

Pittsburgh has such a rich history you can likely turn around and discover something new. These eight historical landmarks in Pittsburgh are certainly a great start to exploring the city’s rich history. You might also want to add these unique places to your list of must-visit places in the Burgh.

  1. Old Allegheny County Jail

Flickr/Friscocall First on the list of our favorite historic sites in Pittsburgh is the Old Allegheny County Jail. It’s probably safe to say that none of us were around when this jail in Pennsylvania first appeared on the Pittsburgh landscape in 1886. Designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, the stunning Romanesque-style building housed prisoners – including the ghost of one who committed suicide, per the local lore – until 1995 when the new Allegheny County Jail opened. Today, visitors can tour what remains of the old jail. The rest of the jail has been devoted to the family division of the Allegheny County Courthouse. It may have a dark history, but it certainly is interesting. Allegheny County Jail, 950 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA

  1. Forbes Field Outfield Wall

Wally Gobetz/Flickr Sports play a large part of Pittsburgh’s history and nothing reflects that history better than the Forbes Field Outfield Wall. It’s one of the most interesting historical landmarks in Pittsburgh. All that remains of the site of Bill Mazeroski’s famous World Series home run in 1960 is the outfield wall, still partially covered with ivy (not pictured). Find directions to Forbes Field Outfield here. Forbes Field Outfield Wall, Roberto Clemente Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA

  1. The Cathedral of Learning

Flickr/Always Shooting Ninety-seven thousand schoolchildren donated the few pennies, sometimes a nickel or a dime, they could spare to help with the construction of the Cathedral of Learning, designed to inspire kids of all generations to embrace learning. The cathedral opened in 1937, becoming a towering landmark in the Oakland skyline. It just goes to show that teamwork can make the dream work! Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA

  1. Chatham Village

Flickr/Jonathan Rieke Perched atop Mount Washington sits Chatham Village, a historic community dating back to 1936. Originally designed for poorer Pittsburghers, Chatham Village was meant to illustrate that people of all economic backgrounds could live in both beautiful and affordable living. With time, however, more affluent Pittsburghers moved into the community. Today, Chatham Village welcomes visitors to its cooperative community. When it comes to historic villages near Pittsburgh, Chatham Village is a must-visit destination Mount Washington, Mt Washington, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

  1. Fort Pitt Blockhouse

Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM Fort Pitt Blockhouse, Pittsburgh’s oldest structure that dates back to 1764, has a vibrant history. From being used as a fort to protect soldiers from the Native Americans and serving as a trading post, to becoming a one-family home until it was transformed into the museum it remains today. It is truly amazing that the oldest structure in Pittsburgh is still available to be visited. Fort Pitt Block House, Fort Pitt Blockhouse, 601 Commonwealth Pl Building C, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA

  1. Hot Metal Street Bridge

Flickr/bananarchist Countless Pittsburghers cross the Hot Metal Street Bridge – by car, by bike, and on foot – each day, going from Oakland to the South Side, or vice-versa, over the Monongahela River. The bridge, which dates back to 1900, earned its moniker from its original role as the connector that trains used to transport hot metal from one side of the city to the other. It’s always considered one of the best bridges in Pittsburgh. Hot Metal Street, Hot Metal St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA

  1. Neill Log House

Wikimedia Commons/Leepaxton Step back in time when you visit the Neill Log House in Schenley Park. The Neill family originally called the log house, built in 1790, home and it would eventually end up belonging to the Schenley family. The Neill Log House now sits on land in Schenley Park and welcomes visitors by appointment. It’s a fascinating abandoned place in Pittsburgh. Neill Log House, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, USA

  1. USS Requin Submarine

Flickr/Via Tsuji Finishing up the list of historical places in Pittsburgh is the USS Requin Submarine. Get a firsthand look at the tight quarters in which Navy Sailors lived and worked – often in charge of classified missions – at the end of World War II. The submarine, docked outside of the Carnegie Science Center, promises a unique experience for visitors aboard the United States’ Navy’s very first Radar Picket submarine. It’s one of the most unforgettable attractions in Pittsburgh. USS Requin, Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA

Whether you’re visiting Pittsburgh for the first time or you have lived here all your life, you will certainly find plenty of places to go and learn about our city’s fascinating history. These attractions will keep you entertained throughout the entire year. Do you have a favorite of these attractions? Please let us know in the comments section!

Flickr/Friscocall

First on the list of our favorite historic sites in Pittsburgh is the Old Allegheny County Jail. It’s probably safe to say that none of us were around when this jail in Pennsylvania first appeared on the Pittsburgh landscape in 1886. Designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, the stunning Romanesque-style building housed prisoners – including the ghost of one who committed suicide, per the local lore – until 1995 when the new Allegheny County Jail opened. Today, visitors can tour what remains of the old jail. The rest of the jail has been devoted to the family division of the Allegheny County Courthouse. It may have a dark history, but it certainly is interesting.

Allegheny County Jail, 950 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA

Wally Gobetz/Flickr

Sports play a large part of Pittsburgh’s history and nothing reflects that history better than the Forbes Field Outfield Wall. It’s one of the most interesting historical landmarks in Pittsburgh. All that remains of the site of Bill Mazeroski’s famous World Series home run in 1960 is the outfield wall, still partially covered with ivy (not pictured). Find directions to Forbes Field Outfield here.

Forbes Field Outfield Wall, Roberto Clemente Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA

Flickr/Always Shooting

Ninety-seven thousand schoolchildren donated the few pennies, sometimes a nickel or a dime, they could spare to help with the construction of the Cathedral of Learning, designed to inspire kids of all generations to embrace learning. The cathedral opened in 1937, becoming a towering landmark in the Oakland skyline. It just goes to show that teamwork can make the dream work!

Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA

Flickr/Jonathan Rieke

Perched atop Mount Washington sits Chatham Village, a historic community dating back to 1936. Originally designed for poorer Pittsburghers, Chatham Village was meant to illustrate that people of all economic backgrounds could live in both beautiful and affordable living. With time, however, more affluent Pittsburghers moved into the community. Today, Chatham Village welcomes visitors to its cooperative community. When it comes to historic villages near Pittsburgh, Chatham Village is a must-visit destination

Mount Washington, Mt Washington, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM

Fort Pitt Blockhouse, Pittsburgh’s oldest structure that dates back to 1764, has a vibrant history. From being used as a fort to protect soldiers from the Native Americans and serving as a trading post, to becoming a one-family home until it was transformed into the museum it remains today. It is truly amazing that the oldest structure in Pittsburgh is still available to be visited.

Fort Pitt Block House, Fort Pitt Blockhouse, 601 Commonwealth Pl Building C, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA

Flickr/bananarchist

Countless Pittsburghers cross the Hot Metal Street Bridge – by car, by bike, and on foot – each day, going from Oakland to the South Side, or vice-versa, over the Monongahela River. The bridge, which dates back to 1900, earned its moniker from its original role as the connector that trains used to transport hot metal from one side of the city to the other. It’s always considered one of the best bridges in Pittsburgh.

Hot Metal Street, Hot Metal St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA

Wikimedia Commons/Leepaxton

Step back in time when you visit the Neill Log House in Schenley Park. The Neill family originally called the log house, built in 1790, home and it would eventually end up belonging to the Schenley family. The Neill Log House now sits on land in Schenley Park and welcomes visitors by appointment. It’s a fascinating abandoned place in Pittsburgh.

Neill Log House, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, USA

Flickr/Via Tsuji

Finishing up the list of historical places in Pittsburgh is the USS Requin Submarine. Get a firsthand look at the tight quarters in which Navy Sailors lived and worked – often in charge of classified missions – at the end of World War II. The submarine, docked outside of the Carnegie Science Center, promises a unique experience for visitors aboard the United States’ Navy’s very first Radar Picket submarine. It’s one of the most unforgettable attractions in Pittsburgh.

USS Requin, Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Landmarks in Pittsburgh December 30, 2022 Danielle Schwartz What are the best day trips around Pittsburgh? The best trips around Pittsburgh are fun trips to get away from everyday life. Check them out:

Pine Creek Gorge in Watson Township Gravity Hill in Bedford County Penn’s Cave in Gregg Township Presque Isle State Park in Erie Allegheny National Forest in Sheffield Township Ricketts Glen State Park in Ross Township Kinzua Bridge Sky Walk in Warren Laurel Highlands

  Where are the best historic villages in Pennsylvania? The best historic villages in Pennsylvania are amazing places for history buffs to learn all about our state.

Old Bedford Village Historic Sugartown Yellow Springs Elfreth’s Alley Erie Peddler’s Village Meadowcraft Rockshelter St. Peters Village

The OIYS Visitor Center

Landmarks in Pittsburgh

December 30, 2022

Danielle Schwartz

What are the best day trips around Pittsburgh? The best trips around Pittsburgh are fun trips to get away from everyday life. Check them out:

Pine Creek Gorge in Watson Township Gravity Hill in Bedford County Penn’s Cave in Gregg Township Presque Isle State Park in Erie Allegheny National Forest in Sheffield Township Ricketts Glen State Park in Ross Township Kinzua Bridge Sky Walk in Warren Laurel Highlands

  Where are the best historic villages in Pennsylvania? The best historic villages in Pennsylvania are amazing places for history buffs to learn all about our state.

Old Bedford Village Historic Sugartown Yellow Springs Elfreth’s Alley Erie Peddler’s Village Meadowcraft Rockshelter St. Peters Village

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The best trips around Pittsburgh are fun trips to get away from everyday life. Check them out:

  • Pine Creek Gorge in Watson Township
  • Gravity Hill in Bedford County
  • Penn’s Cave in Gregg Township
  • Presque Isle State Park in Erie
  • Allegheny National Forest in Sheffield Township
  • Ricketts Glen State Park in Ross Township
  • Kinzua Bridge Sky Walk in Warren
  • Laurel Highlands

 

Where are the best historic villages in Pennsylvania?

The best historic villages in Pennsylvania are amazing places for history buffs to learn all about our state.

  • Old Bedford Village
  • Historic Sugartown
  • Yellow Springs
  • Elfreth’s Alley
  • Erie
  • Peddler’s Village
  • Meadowcraft Rockshelter
  • St. Peters Village