Glimpses of Pittsburgh's past give us an idea of just how much our city has evolved. But, vintage photos of Pittsburgh also show us how much things stay the same. Mount Washington, for example, has always been one of the best spots in the city for scenic views. Here are 13 photos of Pittsburgh from the 1900's that are beyond fascinating.
1. Phipps Conservatory opened in Pittsburgh on December 7, 1893. The picture below was captured a decade later in 1903.
2. Point Bridge, a suspension bridge, opened in 1877 at the Point in Pittsburgh. Its replacement, Point Bridge II, came in 1927. The photo below was taken in 1900.
3. Fourth Street in Pittsburgh, once known as the city’s Wall Street, is seen in this photo believed to be taken between 1900 and 1915.
4. Look familiar? Today, the building in the photo houses The Grand Concourse. In 1905, when this photo was taken, the building was a railroad station.
5. The Point in 1900, a half a century before construction on Point State Park would begin.
6. Luna Park, pictured in 1905, had a brief lifespan in Pittsburgh. The amusement park that boasted a carousel, a fun house, and roller coasters only stayed open from 1905 to 1909.
7. Baseball fans cheer on the Pirates at Forbes Field, circa 1915.
8. The view from atop Mount Washington, circa 1905, captures barges and steel mills.
9. This snapshot of Schenley Park was taken circa 1900. Quite a difference from the Schenley Park of today, isn’t it?
10. The Zoo in Highland Park first opened on June 14, 1898. The photo below was shot two years later, in 1900.
11. The Allegheny River as seen from Highland Park. The photo is believed to have been taken between 1900 and 1915.
12. A Russian bear sits in his habitat at the Zoo in Highland Park circa 1900.
13. Horse-drawn buggies travel to Union Station in downtown Pittsburgh in this photo from 1904.
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These are just some of the vintage photos of Pittsburgh from the early 1900's. Which is your favorite? Click here to check out some really awesome shots of Pittsburgh during World War II.
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