How lucky are we who grew up visiting our favorite neighbor every day? As Mister Rogers sat down, changed his shoes, and greeted us, we got ready for our adventure to the Land of Make Believe. While America's favorite neighbor is known around the U.S., his life and legacy are widely celebrated in Western Pennsylvania, where much of his life’s work took place. Did you know, in fact, that Fred Rogers grew up in Latrobe, Pennsylvania?

A man beloved by children (and adults) for generations, Fred McFeely Rogers was born in the Western Pennsylvania town of Latrobe on March 20, 1928. Within decades, he would be a household name.

If you’ve watched Mister Rogers, or even the 21st century Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, you likely recognize Mister Rogers’ middle name (and his grandfather’s name) as that of mailman Mr. McFeely on the show. Chances are if you live in Pittsburgh, you’ve (and later your kids) met Mr. McFeely (David Newell in character) at least once.

Rogers’ road to fame began when he earned a music composition degree from Rollins College in Florida. Although his first TV gig was in New York City, he eventually returned closer to home, scoring a job in programming with WQED Pittsburgh in 1953.

Nearly a decade later, he would also earn a degree in divinity and become an ordained minister with the Presbyterian Church.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood premiered on WQED in February 1968 and introduced America’s kids to such iconic neighbors as Mr. McFeely, Daniel Striped Tiger, King Friday, X the Owl, and Henriette Pussycat. We also got to know Mayor Maggie, Chef Brockett, and Handyman Negri.

We can’t forget the intimidating Lady Elaine Fairchilde either.

The beloved children’s show became a staple in American homes as Mister Rogers taught us lessons about being good neighbors, how to deal with our anger, and a host of other topics.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood featured 895 episodes with the final one airing on August 31, 2001, just days before the September 11 terror attacks in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania.

On the one-year anniversary of 9/11, Mister Rogers recorded a video to help parents explain the terrifying day to their children.

Just two years after Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood aired its final episode, Fred Rogers died of stomach cancer on February 27, 2003. He was 74.

Mister Rogers wasn’t the only Rogers who was a beloved neighbor in Western Pennsylvania. His wife, Joanne, was also well-known in the area. After his death, Mrs. Rogers kept his message going strong until she died, at 92, on January 14, 2021.

Besides the memories and lessons he left generations of children, Mister Rogers’ impact is still felt within Western Pennsylvania. A statue of Pennsylvania’s favorite neighbor sits on the North Shore of Pittsburgh.

If you’re in New Florence, head over to Buttermilk Falls. The hidden waterfall sits on land once owned by and donated by Mister Rogers’ grandfather. As you follow the path leading to the waterfall, you’ll pass markers with some of Mister Rogers’ most famous quotes.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood has transitioned to Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood with a TV show focusing on Daniel and his family. Fans can still visit Idlewild Park & Soakzone for a ride aboard the trolley through Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.

On your trolley ride, you’ll encounter all of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’s favorite characters and even hear Mister Rogers’ voice.

If you’ve got some free time, follow the Fred Rogers Trail that leads to several iconic spots associated with Mister Rogers.

Did you know that Fred Rogers grew up in Latrobe, Pennsylvania? Have you visited? Let us know in the comments! While you’re in the area, make sure you stop by Idlewild Park & SoakZone in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Take a ride on the trolley through Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.