History of Pittsburgh in Timeline

Pittsburgh, the county seat of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, is the second-most populous city in the state and the 67th-most populous in the U.S., with a population of 302,971 as of 2020. Located in southwestern Pennsylvania at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, which form the Ohio River, Pittsburgh anchors a metropolitan area of 2.457 million residents. It is the largest metro area in both the Ohio Valley and Appalachia, the second-largest in Pennsylvania, and a principal city in a combined statistical area that includes parts of Ohio and West Virginia.

July 1, 1901: Record Warm Daily Minimum

On July 1, 1901, Pittsburgh recorded the record warm daily minimum temperature of 82 °F (28 °C).

1901: Merger into U.S. Steel

In 1901, J. P. Morgan and attorney Elbert H. Gary merged Carnegie Steel Company and several other companies into U.S. Steel.

1901: Pirates Pre-World Series Title

In 1901, the Pittsburgh Pirates claimed a pre-World Series title.

1902: Pirates Pre-World Series Title

In 1902, the Pittsburgh Pirates claimed a pre-World Series title.

1903: Pirates in First World Series

In 1903, the Pittsburgh Pirates were in the first World Series.

1907: Annexation of Allegheny City

In 1907, Allegheny City was annexed by Pittsburgh and became the North Side neighborhood.

1910: Pittsburgh's Rank and Steel Output

By 1910, Pittsburgh was the nation's eighth-largest city, accounting for between one-third and one-half of national steel output.

1911: Magee Womens Hospital

In 1911, Magee Womens Hospital was established in Pittsburgh.

1911: Federally Recognized Name

In 1911, the federal decision to drop the "h" from Pittsburg was reversed after a public campaign.

1912: Duquesne Light Founded

In 1912, Duquesne Light, one of the original power companies founded by George Westinghouse, was established.

1912: Duquesne University Red Masquers Founded

The Duquesne University Red Masquers, founded in 1912, are the oldest, continuously producing theater company in Pennsylvania.

1914: Pitt Women Begin Play

In 1914, the Pitt women's basketball program began play.

May 1918: Pittsburgh Agreement Subscribed

In May 1918, the Pittsburgh Agreement was subscribed between the Czech and Slovak nationalities concerning the future foundation of Czechoslovakia.

1918: Low Snowfall Season

During the 1918-19 season, Pittsburgh recorded a low snowfall of 8.8 inches (22 cm).

1918: Nabisco Factory Constructed

The Nabisco factory was built in 1918 and was later refurbished and used as modern office space for Google.

1919: Pittsburgh Locomotive and Car Works Closes

In 1919, Andrew Carnegie's Pittsburgh Locomotive and Car Works, a manufacturer for the rail industry, closed.

November 2, 1920: KDKA Begins Airing

On November 2, 1920, KDKA 1020 AM, the world's first commercially licensed radio station, began airing.

1921: Pittsburg Press Spelling

In 1921, The Pittsburg Press continued spelling the city without an "h" until this year.

1924: NHL Franchise Awarded

In 1924, the NHL awarded one of its first franchises to Pittsburgh, based on the success of the Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets.

1927: Pittsburgh Steeling Company Established

In 1927, the Pittsburgh Steeling company was established.

1928: Pitt Wins National Championship

In 1928, the University of Pittsburgh won a pre-NCAA tournament National Championship.

1930: Low Annual Precipitation

In 1930, Pittsburgh recorded a low annual precipitation of 22.65 inches (575 mm).

1930: Pitt Wins National Championship

In 1930, the University of Pittsburgh won a pre-NCAA tournament National Championship.

1933: Democrats elected Mayor

In the 1933 election, Democrats have been elected consecutively to the mayor's office.

1933: Rooney Family Ownership

Since 1933, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been owned by the Rooney family.

March 1936: Severe Flooding

In March 1936, Pittsburgh suffered severe flooding.

1936: Pittsburgh Hornets Farm Team

In 1936, the Pittsburgh Hornets farm team was established, existing until 1967.

1937: Pittsburgh Pirates in the NBL

From 1937 to 1945, the Pittsburgh Pirates played in the NBL.

1937: PGA Championship at Laurel Valley

In 1937, the Laurel Valley Golf Club hosted the PGA Championship.

1940: Population Demographics

By 1940, non-Hispanic whites constituted 90.6% of Pittsburgh's population. The city also became a destination for African-Americans during the Great Migration.

1940: Duquesne reaches NCAA Final Four

In 1940, Duquesne University reached the NCAA tournament Final Four.

1941: Pitt reaches NCAA Final Four

In 1941, the University of Pittsburgh reached the NCAA tournament Final Four.

1947: Pittsburgh Ironmen in the NBA

From 1947 to 1948, the Pittsburgh Ironmen played in the NBA's inaugural season.

1950: High Snowfall Season

During the 1950-51 season, Pittsburgh recorded a high snowfall of 80 inches (200 cm).

1950: City Population

In 1950, 680,000 people lived in Pittsburgh.

April 1, 1954: WQED 13 Established

On April 1, 1954, WQED 13, the local PBS member station in Pittsburgh, was established as the first community-sponsored television station and the fifth public station in the United States.

1954: Cobalt Therapy

In 1954, Allegheny General (AGH) was among the first to administer Cobalt therapy.

1955: Duquesne Wins NIT Title

In 1955, Duquesne University won the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) title, marking their second consecutive appearance in the title game.

1955: Polio Vaccine Comes Into Use

In 1955, the polio vaccine developed by Jonas Salk, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh, came into use.

1956: Indoor Skating at the Exposition Building and Duquesne Gardens Ends

In 1956, indoor skating opportunities at the Exposition Building and Duquesne Gardens came to an end.

1956: Conway Rail Yard Becomes Largest in the World

In 1956, the suburban Conway Rail Yard, built in 1889, became the largest freight rail center in the world.

1957: LPGA Championship

From 1957 to 1958, the LPGA Championships were held at a Pittsburgh area course.

1959: Treatment Plant Construction

In 1959, Pittsburgh's wastewater treatment plant was constructed as part of its combined sewer system.

1961: Pittsburgh Rens Basketball

From 1961 to 1963, the Pittsburgh Rens played basketball.

1961: Civic Arena Opens

In 1961, the Civic Arena opened in the Lower Hill District after displacing 1,551 mostly Black residents and 413 businesses, contributing to the neighborhood's demographic changes as part of Pittsburgh's revitalization efforts.

1961: Point Park University Founded

Point Park University was founded in 1961 and is known for its Conservatory of Performing Arts and its Pittsburgh Playhouse.

1965: PGA Championship at Fox Chapel

In 1965, the Fox Chapel Golf Club hosted the PGA Championship.

1966: Mary Lou Williams Album

In 1966, pianist-composer Mary Lou Williams honored her hometown of Pittsburgh with an album featuring Leon Thomas.

1967: End of Pittsburgh Hornets Farm Team

In 1967, the Pittsburgh Hornets farm team ended its run.

1967: Penguins Founding

In 1967, the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL were founded and began playing in Pittsburgh.

1968: Night of the Living Dead Film

In 1968, George A. Romero's film Night of the Living Dead was released, recognizing Pittsburgh as the birthplace of the modern zombie film genre.

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1968: Pittsburgh's ABA Franchise Title

In 1968, Pittsburgh's ABA franchise won the title.

1968: First Heart Transplant in Pennsylvania

In 1968, UPMC performed the state's first heart transplant.

1968: Pittsburgh Pipers Championship

In 1968, led by Connie Hawkins, the Pittsburgh Pipers won the first American Basketball Association championship before relocating.

1970: Pittsburgh Condors in the ABA

From 1970 to 1972, the Pittsburgh Condors returned to play in the ABA.

1970: Population Composition

In 1970, non-Hispanic whites were 78.7% of the population, compared to 64.8% in 2010.

1970: Pitt Women Reintroduced

In 1970, the Pitt women's basketball program was reintroduced.

1971: First All-Minority Lineup in Major League Baseball

In 1971, the Pittsburgh Pirates were the first Major League team to field an all-minority lineup.

1972: Sold Out Home Games

Since 1972, every Pittsburgh Steelers home game has been sold out.

1973: Election with Democrats Running Off-Party

In the 1973 election, lifelong Democrats ran off the party ticket.

1975: Ryder Cup at Laurel Valley

In 1975, the Ryder Cup was hosted at the Laurel Valley Golf Club.

1977: Renaissance II Project

In 1977, Pittsburgh launched the "Renaissance II" project, focusing on cultural and neighborhood development.

1977: Election with Democrats Running Off-Party

In the 1977 election, lifelong Democrats ran off the party ticket.

1980: UPMC Expansion Announced

In 1980, UPMC announced a $250 million expansion and hired transplant pioneer Thomas Starzl.

1980: Conway Rail Yard Loses Top Ranking

In 1980, the Conway Rail Yard, previously the largest in the world, became the nation's second-largest freight rail center.

1983: First Cystic Fibrosis Heart-Lung Transplant

In 1983, UPMC pioneered the first known cystic fibrosis heart-lung transplant.

1984: First Simultaneous Liver and Heart Transplant on a Child

In 1984, UPMC performed the world's first simultaneous liver and heart transplant operation on a child, 6-year-old Stormie Jones.

1984: Pioneering Brain Surgery

In 1984, surgeons at Allegheny General pioneered modern brain surgery techniques.

1984: INPEX Convention

Since 1984, Pittsburgh has hosted INPEX, the world's largest invention trade show.

1985: Liver Transplant and New Device

In 1985, Starzl arranged a liver transplant of Amie Garrison, and UPMC surgeons revealed a new device after a heart-lung transplant.

1985: Youngest Heart-Lung Transplant

In 1985, UPMC performed the youngest heart-lung transplant on a 9-year-old.

1986: UPMC Modernization Announced

In 1986, UPMC announced a $230 million modernization project.

July 16, 1988: Record High Temperature

On July 16, 1988, Pittsburgh recorded a temperature of 103 °F (39 °C).

1989: First Heart-Liver-Kidney Transplant

In 1989, UPMC performed the world's first heart-liver-kidney transplant.

1990: Ukrainian Community

According to the 1990 census, Pittsburgh had the fifth-largest Ukrainian community.

1990: National League Championship Series Appearance

In 1990, the Pittsburgh Pirates had a National League Championship Series appearance.

1991: Eastern Conference and Stanley Cup Championships

In 1991, the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Eastern Conference title and the Stanley Cup championship.

1992: Eastern Conference and Stanley Cup Championships

In 1992, the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Eastern Conference title and the Stanley Cup championship.

1993: Start of Losing Seasons

In 1993, the Pittsburgh Pirates started setting the MLB record for most consecutive losing seasons.

January 19, 1994: Record Low Temperature

On January 19, 1994, Pittsburgh recorded its all-time record low temperature of −22 °F (−30 °C).

July 15, 1995: Last 100 °F+ Readings

The last time Pittsburgh experienced readings above 100 °F (38 °C)+ was on July 15, 1995.

1995: Pittsburgh Piranhas in CBA Finals

In 1995, the Pittsburgh Piranhas reached the CBA Finals.

1996: Sicily ISMETT Branch Approved

In 1996, UPMC's planned Sicily ISMETT branch was approved by the Italian government, facilitating transplant surgeries.

1997: First Heart-Liver Transplant on an Infant

In 1997, UPMC performed the world's first heart-liver transplant on an infant.

1997: Sporting News' Executive of the Year

In 1997, the Pittsburgh Pirates last received the award for Sporting News' Executive of the Year.

1998: First Pediatric Heart-Double Lung-Liver Transplant

In 1998, UPMC performed the first pediatric heart-double lung-liver transplant.

1998: Riverhounds Founded

In 1998, the Riverhounds, an American professional soccer team, were founded.

1998: Nabisco Factory Refurbished

The Nabisco factory was refurbished by 1998 and used as modern office space for Google's research and technology offices. Some of the factory's original equipment was left standing.

1999: Mario Lemieux Becomes Owner

In 1999, Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux became the owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

1999: International Society for Bipolar Disorders Founded

In 1999, UPMC's Thomas Detre founded the International Society for Bipolar Disorders at a world medical conference in Pittsburgh.

2000: Teacher Salaries Ranked

In 2000, Pittsburgh Public Schools teachers ranked 17th among the 100 largest cities for the highest minimum salary.

2000: KSWA Founded

In 2000, the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA), a professional wrestling promotion, was founded in Pittsburgh.

2000: UPMC Sports Performance Complex Opens

In 2000, the UPMC Sports Performance Complex, costing $80 million, opened for the Pittsburgh Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers.

2000: Population Decrease

The 2010 census recorded a population of 305,704 in Pittsburgh, which was a decrease of 8.6% since 2000.

2002: AGH Cancer Center Opens

In 2002, AGH opened its $30 million cancer center, featuring 5 floors and 100,000 sq. ft.

2002: Pittsburgh Passion Founding

Since 2002, the Pittsburgh Passion has been the city's professional women's football team.

2003: Hillman Cancer Center Opens and UPMC-IBM Agreement

In 2003, the $130 million Hillman Cancer Center opened, and UPMC entered an 8-year, $420 million agreement with IBM to upgrade medical technologies and health information systems.

2003: Tekko Anime Convention

Since 2003, Pittsburgh has hosted Tekko, a four-day anime convention.

2004: Pittsburgh Xplosion ABA

From 2004 to 2008, the Pittsburgh Xplosion played in the ABA.

2004: Hurricane Ivan Rainfall Records

In 2004, the remnants of Hurricane Ivan hit rainfall records in Pittsburgh, causing occasional floods in low-lying areas near rivers and creeks.

2005: Number of Trees

As of 2005, Pittsburgh had 31,000 trees along 900 miles of streets.

2005: Bassmaster Classic

In 2005, Pittsburgh attracted the Bassmaster Classic world-title fishing competition.

2005: Senior PGA Championship

In 2005, the Senior PGA Championship was hosted at a Pittsburgh area course.

2006: Pennsylvania Film Production Tax Credit

After the 2006 passage of the Pennsylvania Film Production Tax Credit, Pittsburgh's film industry accelerated.

2006: Housing Property Values Rise

Between 2006 and 2011, the Pittsburgh metropolitan statistical area (MSA) experienced over 10% appreciation in housing prices.

2006: Luke Ravenstahl Becomes Mayor

In 2006, Luke Ravenstahl was sworn in as mayor at the age of 26, becoming the youngest mayor in the history of any major American city.

2006: Fifth Super Bowl Win

In 2006, the Pittsburgh Steelers won their fifth Super Bowl.

2006: Anthrocon in Pittsburgh

Since 2006, Anthrocon, the world's second-largest furry convention, has been held annually at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

2006: Anthrocon Furry Convention

Since 2006, Pittsburgh has hosted Anthrocon, a furry convention.

2007: Tax Credit Incentive Established

In 2007, a 25% tax credit incentive was established, notably impacting film production in Pittsburgh.

2007: Technology Industries Payroll

In 2007, the annual payroll of the Pittsburgh region's technology industries exceeded $10.8 billion.

2008: Eastern Conference Title

In 2008, the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Eastern Conference title.

September 2009: 2009 G20 Pittsburgh summit

In September 2009, the 2009 G20 Pittsburgh summit was held in Pittsburgh.

2009: Pittsburgh Phantoms ABA

From 2009 to 2010, the Pittsburgh Phantoms played in the ABA.

2009: Forrest Wood Cup

In 2009, Pittsburgh attracted the Forrest Wood Cup world-title fishing competition.

2009: G20 Pittsburgh summit

In 2009, Pittsburgh hosted the G20 summit.

2009: First Double Hand Transplant

In 2009, UPMC performed the nation's first double hand transplant.

2009: UPMC Children's Hospital Opens

In 2009, the $600 million UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh opened.

2009: Demolition of East Mall Public Housing Complex

In 2009, the East Mall public housing complex was demolished and replaced by businesses like Target, which residents cited as evidence of gentrification of neighborhoods.

2009: Eastern Conference and Stanley Cup Championships

In 2009, the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Eastern Conference title and the Stanley Cup championship.

2009: Sixth Super Bowl Win

In 2009, the Pittsburgh Steelers won a league record sixth Super Bowl.

2009: DUG East Energy Trade Show

Since 2009, Pittsburgh has hosted the DUG East energy trade show.

2010: ARDA Study on Religious Affiliations

According to a 2010 Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) study, Pittsburgh metro area residents included 773,341 "Catholics"; 326,125 "Mainline Protestants"; 174,119 "Evangelical Protestants;" 20,976 "Black Protestants;" and 16,405 "Orthodox Christians," with 996,826 listed as "unclaimed" and 16,405 as "other".

2010: Population and Demographics

At the 2010 census, Pittsburgh had a population of 305,704, a decrease of 8.6% since 2000. The racial makeup was 66.0% White, 25.8% Black or African American, 4.4% Asian, and 2.3% mixed.

2010: Number of Technology Companies

In 2010, Pittsburgh had 1,600 technology companies.

2010: UPMC Adopts Hamot Medical Center

In 2010, UPMC officially adopted Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania.

2010: First Total Forearm and Hand Transplant

In 2010, UPMC performed the first total forearm and hand transplant.

2010: Terrance Hayes National Book Award

In 2010, poet Terrance Hayes won the National Book Award.

2010: Move to PPG Paints Arena

In 2010, the Pittsburgh Penguins moved into the PPG Paints Arena (formerly known as Consol Energy Center).

2010: Household Statistics

In 2010, there were 143,739 households in Pittsburgh, with an average household size of 2.17 and an average family size of 2.95.

2011: Analysis Valued

A 2011 analysis valued the annual benefits of the city's urban forest between $10 and $13 million, based on contributions to aesthetics, energy use, and air quality.

2011: Housing Property Values Appreciation

Between 2006 and 2011, the Pittsburgh metropolitan statistical area (MSA) experienced over 10% appreciation in housing prices, the highest appreciation of the largest 25 metropolitan statistical areas in the United States.

2011: Pittsburgh as "Gotham City"

In 2011, Pittsburgh became "Gotham City" during filming of The Dark Knight Rises.

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2011: Wiz Khalifa's Hit

In 2011, Wiz Khalifa's hit song Black and Yellow reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

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2011: Port of Pittsburgh Ranks 20th Largest in the U.S.

In 2011, the Port of Pittsburgh ranked as the 20th-largest port in the United States, handling almost 34 million short tons of river cargo.

2011: Pittsburgh Dad Series Launch

Since 2011, the Pittsburgh Dad series has showcased the Pittsburghese genre to a global YouTube audience.

2012: Panthers Depart Big East

Between the 2012 and 2013 seasons, the University of Pittsburgh Panthers left the Big East for the ACC.

2012: Senior Players Championship

From 2012 to 2014, the Senior Players Championship was held at a Pittsburgh area course.

2012: UPMC Study on Robotic Arm Movement by Quadriplegics

In 2012, The Lancet published a UPMC study where two 9-year-old quadriplegics were able to move a robotic arm by thought, allowing them to pick up objects, shake hands, and eat.

2012: Crime statistics

In 2012, statistics per 100,000 persons were recorded.

2012: End of Losing Seasons

In 2012, the Pittsburgh Pirates consecutive losing seasons ended.

2012: UPMC Children's Hospital Featured in World News & Pittsburgh Penguins Announce Training Facility with UPMC

In 2012, the UPMC Children's Hospital was featured in world news for its patient care approaches. Also in 2012, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced a state-of-the-art training facility with UPMC.

2012: Hot Mass Dance Party

Since 2012, the Hot Mass after-hours electronic music dance party has been a key part of Pittsburgh's electronic music scene.

2013: Panthers Join ACC

Between the 2012 and 2013 seasons, the University of Pittsburgh Panthers left the Big East for the ACC.

2013: Ranked 3rd "Most Secure" Big City

In 2013, Pittsburgh was named the 3rd "most secure" big city by Farmers Insurance.

2013: UPMC Partners with Nazarbayev University

In 2013, UPMC announced its partnership with Nazarbayev University to help found its medical school.

2013: National League Division Series

In 2013, the Pittsburgh Pirates had a National League Division Series.

January 6, 2014: Bill Peduto Sworn In

On January 6, 2014, Bill Peduto was sworn in as mayor of Pittsburgh.

2014: Children near pollution sources have asthma rates

A 2014 to 2016 study found that children near pollution sources like industrial sites had asthma rates nearly three times the national average.

2014: Pittsburgh Ranked Second-Best for Economic Mobility

A National Bureau of Economic Research 2014 report named Pittsburgh the second-best U.S. city for intergenerational economic mobility or the American Dream.

2014: Pew Research Center Study on Religion

According to a 2014 study by the Pew Research Center, 78% of Pittsburgh's population identified as Christians, with 42% attending Protestant churches and 32% holding Catholic beliefs. 18% claimed no religious affiliation and other religions collectively comprised about 4% of the population.

2014: Terrance Hayes MacArthur Foundation Fellowship

In 2014, Terrance Hayes, a poet, earned a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship.

2014: Wild Card Game

In 2014, the Pittsburgh Pirates had a Wild Card game.

2015: Chatham University Becomes Coeducational

In 2015, Chatham University, formerly a women's college, became fully coeducational.

2015: Wild Card Game

In 2015, the Pittsburgh Pirates had a Wild Card game.

2016: Children near pollution sources have asthma rates

A 2014 to 2016 study found that children near pollution sources like industrial sites had asthma rates nearly three times the national average.

2016: High Lead Levels

In 2016, Pittsburgh faced criticism for high lead levels in the city's drinking water.

2016: Eastern Conference and Stanley Cup Championships

In 2016, the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Eastern Conference title and the Stanley Cup championship.

2017: Cohen Center Study on Jewish Population

A 2017 study by the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University estimated the Jewish population of Greater Pittsburgh was 49,200.

2017: Major Film and Television Productions

From 2017 to 2023, Pittsburgh welcomed a series of major film and television productions like Fences, Mindhunter, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Sweet Girl, and I'm Your Woman, significantly contributing to the local economy.

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2017: ALCOSAN Upgrade Proposal

In 2017, the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) proposed a $2 billion system upgrade.

2017: Eastern Conference and Stanley Cup Championships

In 2017, the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Eastern Conference title and the Stanley Cup championship.

2018: Population Density

As of 2018, much of Pittsburgh's population density was concentrated in the central, southern, and eastern areas. The city limits itself have a population density of 5,513 people per square mile.

2018: High Annual Precipitation

In 2018, Pittsburgh recorded a high annual precipitation of 57.83 inches (1,469 mm).

2018: Panthers Appear in ACC Championship Game

In 2018, the University of Pittsburgh Panthers appeared in the ACC Championship Game.

2018: Starting Teacher Salary

In 2018, the starting teacher salary offered to teachers with a BA was $46,920, and the maximum annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree was $95,254.

2019: Reported Murders

At the end of 2019, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police reported 37 murders in the city that year.

2019: Household Income Increase

By the 2019 American Community Survey, the median income for a household in Pittsburgh increased to $53,799.

2019: EPA Approval

In 2019, the EPA approved the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) proposed $2 billion system upgrade.

2020: Population and Demographics

By the 2020 census, Pittsburgh's population slightly declined to 302,971. Its racial and ethnic makeup in 2020 was 64.7% non-Hispanic white, 23.0% Black or African American, 5.8% Asian, and 3.2% Hispanic or Latino American of any race.

2020: Population of Pittsburgh

In 2020, the census recorded Pittsburgh's population as 302,971, making it the second-most populous city in Pennsylvania and the 67th-most populous in the U.S.