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Illustrated map-style graphic of the Great Fire of 1845 in Pittsburgh, showing flames spreading across wooden buildings, smoke rising over the skyline, and firefighters battling the blaze. Features key landmarks like Ferry Street and Trinity Cathedral, with a vintage, historically-inspired art style.

The Untold Story of the Great Fire of 1845: How Pittsburgh Rose from the Ashes

On April 10, 1845, a seemingly ordinary day in Pittsburgh turned catastrophic when a single spark ignited a fire that would level over a third of the burgeoning city. Known as the Great Fire of 1845, this inferno changed the trajectory of Pittsburgh forever, transforming both its infrastructure and identity. A City of Wood and…

From Fort Duquesne to Tech Hub: A Timeline of Pittsburgh’s History

Pittsburgh’s story is a vivid tapestry woven with conflict, innovation, industry, and transformation. From its earliest days as a French military outpost to its current status as a global leader in robotics and AI, Pittsburgh has constantly evolved with the times—shaped by geography, fueled by industry, and driven by people. Here’s a deep dive into…

A nostalgic, warmly lit illustration of a Primanti Brothers sandwich — fries and slaw spilling out — set against a backdrop of Pittsburgh’s Strip District in the 1940s, with steelworkers and produce trucks in the scene.

Primanti Brothers: The Rise, the Sandwich, and Its Fading Role in Pittsburgh’s Food Scene

Explore the rise and cultural shift of Primanti Brothers — from feeding Pittsburgh’s workers to becoming a nostalgic symbol of the city’s industrial past.

A dramatic, vintage newspaper-style illustration of a massive Thunderbird soaring over the Monongahela River valley, with stunned Pittsburghers watching from below — bridges, smokestacks, and a golden sky in the background.

The Thunderbird Legend: Pittsburgh’s Mysterious Encounter with a Giant Bird

Explore the eerie legend of Pittsburgh’s Thunderbird — a mysterious giant bird sighted over the city in 1944. Fact, folklore, or something more?

A sweeping, golden-hour illustration showing multiple iconic Pittsburgh bridges — Roberto Clemente, Smithfield Street, and Fort Pitt — spanning the rivers with the skyline rising in the distance.

Bridges of Legacy: The Story Behind Pittsburgh’s Iconic Overpasses

Discover the story behind Pittsburgh’s legendary bridges — from steel marvels to cultural icons. Explore the history, engineering, and enduring legacy of the City of Bridges.

A gritty, sepia-toned illustration of a 19th-century Pittsburgh iron furnace roaring to life at night, workers silhouetted against the molten glow, with the Monongahela River in the background.

The Rise and Fall of Pittsburgh’s Iron Furnaces: Foundations of an Industrial Empire

Discover the forgotten history of Pittsburgh’s iron furnaces — the industrial giants that laid the foundation for the Steel City and built America’s industrial might.