When was the city of Pittsburgh officially named and by whom?
The city of Pittsburgh was officially named in 1758 by Scottish general John Forbes. Forbes named the settlement to honor British statesman William Pitt, the 1st Earl of Chatham.
Common questions about Pittsburgh
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What was the original name of the river junction before European settlement?
The Seneca people called the river junction Diondega. This name was used by the Shawnee and other Native American groups who inhabited the area long before European exploration began in 1669.
How much steel did Pittsburgh produce during World War II?
Area mills produced 95 million tons of steel for the war effort during World War II. These mills operated 24 hours a day to support the national defense needs.
When did the federal government change the spelling of Pittsburgh?
The federal government dropped the final h from 1891 to 1911. Public pressure restored the original spelling of Pittsburgh in 1911.
Which industrialist began steel production in Pittsburgh in 1875?
Andrew Carnegie began steel production at the Edgar Thomson Steel Works in 1875. This action launched an industrial revolution that transformed Pittsburgh into the Steel City.