In the late 19th century, the boroughs of Mansfield and Chartiers were situated south and west of Pittsburgh and divided by a creek. They merged to become one unified city, and a new name was sought. The community petitioned philanthropist Andrew Carnegie for financial assistance, and he responded generously. Thus, the town of Carnegie was founded on March 1, 1894. Throughout the decades that followed, Carnegie experienced rapid growth of industry, commerce, and population. Yet anyone who has ever resided there will boast of its small-town charm. The steel mills supported generations of families, who then struggled to adapt to a changing world when the plants closed down. Carnegie's hometown heroes include Pirates shortstop Honus Wagner and NFL coach Mike Ditka. Carnegie is a photographic essay that chronicles the town's history and abundant contributions to industry and transportation.
The Squirrel Hill Historical Society and editor Helen Wilson explore the fascinating history of one of Pittsburgh's historic neighborhoods. Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood began on the frontier of western Pennsylvania 250 years ago and developed into a vibrant urban community. Early settler John Turner, half-brother of renegade Simon Girty, survived capture by Native Americans and experienced firsthand the change from dangerous wilderness to established farming community. As Squirrel Hill developed, the landscape dotted with farms and cottages, inns and taverns, and little shops, over time Pittsburgh's elite began to build mansions in the area, especially after the Civil War; one of these stately manors even became the Pennsylvania Female College in 1869, today known as Chatham University. Wealthy landowners Henry Clay Frick and Mary Schenley bestowed Squirrel Hill its grand public parks . Hyman Little, Herman Kamin and countless others moved to the hill and made it Pittsburgh's premier Jewish community, with a tight knit cluster of synagogues, temples and a thriving business district. Today, Squirrel Hill is still one of the most beautiful and exclusive neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.
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