Historical Sites to Visit
It’s no secret that Pittsburgh has been an influential city for centuries, and the evidence can be found all around the city!
Having played meaningful roles in moments and eras throughout history – the French and Indian War, the Civil Rights Movement and the Industrial Revolution - it’s only fitting that many of these involvements are memorialized throughout the city.
Fort Pitt Block House
Pittsburgh’s oldest architectural landmark, the Fort Pitt Block House is all that remains of Fort Pitt, one of the largest and most elaborate British forts and a key defense in the French and Indian War. Built in 1764, the Block House was gifted to the Fort Pitt Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1894 and has remained free and open to the visitors for more than a century.
Freedom Corner
Located in Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood at the intersection of Centre Avenue and Crawford Street, the Freedom Corner monument marks a crucial point in Pittsburgh’s extensive Civil Rights history and serves as an important gathering location for those advocating for peace, justice and equality.
Tribute to Children Statue
Locally known as the Mister Rogers Memorial, the memorial was built in 2009 to commemorate Pittsburgh’s friendliest neighbor and television icon, Fred Rogers. The bronze sculpture is accompanied by a sound system so that visitors can listen to 29 musical compositions by Fred Rogers.
August Wilson House
The building, located at 1727 Bedford Ave., in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, is at the heart of American literary history. The childhood home of award-winning playwright August Wilson, the August Wilson House is dedicated to celebrating his literary and personal legacy while also serving as an arts center to the Hill District community.
Homewood Cemetery
Founded in 1878, the Homewood Cemetery is bordered by Frick Park and the Point Breeze neighborhood. It features exquisite architecture and art alongside more than 600 mature trees. A long list of notable Pittsburghers buried on-site include Henry J. Heinz, Henry Clay Frick, Charles “Teenie” Harris, Mac Miller, Chuck Cooper and many more.
Carrie Blast Furnace
Experience pre-World War II iron-making technology at the iconic and historic Carrie Blast Furnaces. Led by Rivers of Steel, tours take visitors through the non-operative blast furnaces while detailing the historical impact that the furnaces, along with the industry, had on local residents, businesses and the world.
Andy Warhol’s Grave
Andy Warhol is buried at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cemetery in Pittsburgh-suburb Bethel Park alongside his parents, Julie and Andrej Wahola. The gravesite is often found adorned with Campbell’s soup cans to commemorate the Pittsburgh-born artist.
Southwestern Pennsylvania World War II Memorial
Located along Pittsburgh’s North Shore, this awe-inspiring memorial commemorates the efforts of veterans from the region who served overseas and at home during World War II. Explore the images that tell the stories through the eyes of the veterans, their families and the people of Southwestern PA.
