Pittsburgh

At the beginning of the XVIII century, the French arrived here, who wanted to add these lands to their properties in Louisiana and Canada. But the British asserted their rights to these territories and demanded from the French to leave them. For several decades, the lands had belonged to either the French or the English. Until the British built Fort Pitt here in 1758. The settlement of Pittsborough was established nearby. Eleven years later, it was called Pittsburgh. For another ten years, there was a dispute between Pennsylvania and Virginia for it. As a result, in 1780, Pittsburgh moved to Pennsylvania.

The XIX century became a period of active city development. Large enterprises producing bronze, steel, tin, and glass were opened. New districts appeared, houses were built, infrastructure was developing.

At the beginning of the XX century, Pittsburgh produced 35 - 50% of all steel in the USA. In the second half of the XX century, the authorities began to implement projects to improve the quality of life of citizens. As part of the struggle for the protection of the environment, steel mills and other production facilities were closed. This led to a sharp decline in the number of residents. 

At the beginning of the XXI century, Pittsburgh began to develop tourism, medicine and high-tech sciences actively.

The Deutschtown Music Festival gathers music lovers from many countries in Pittsburgh. It is held annually in July and is well known to fans of contemporary music. Open-air stages are set up in the city squares. Nearby, there are recreational areas and beer gardens. 

For over ten years now, one of Pittsburgh's streets has been transformed into a nightmare of horror movies once a year. Every October, it hosts a unique Zombie Festival. Nearby Monroeville Mall, there are classic zombie horror scenes, themed competitions, and film screenings. Many street snack bars support the theme of "walking dead", offering visitors a "zombie menu".

• Take a walk around the Golden Triangle. The Business Center, or Downtown, is a place that is very popular with tourists. Three rivers merge here, forming a piece of land, shaped like a triangle. Modern skyscrapers emphasize the beauty of buildings and churches in the classic style. The largest of them is over 250 m high. The grandiose black skyscraper made of glass in the form of a castle is especially notable.
• Admire the city from a height. Pittsburgh has two funiculars that take passengers to the top of the hill. One of them, the Duquesne Incline, is located to the west along South Shore. The other is the Monongahela Incline, which is considered to be the oldest functioning funicular in the USA. It is located near Station Square. Climb either of them, and you will have a stunning view of the city.
• See the Heinz Memorial Chapel. This incredibly beautiful building with sharp spires is erected in the Neo-Gothic style. The temple is built of gray limestone that resembles marble. Its facade is decorated with the skillful carving on the biblical themes. The famous arched windows of the chapel decorated with colorful stained-glass windows are gorgeous.
• Get acquainted with rare exhibits of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. One of the largest natural science museums in the country is located in a suburb of Pittsburgh. It has 20 halls with the most interesting expositions. They include the halls of American Indians, Ancient Egypt, and Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems. It also has one of the best collections of dinosaur skeletons on the planet.
• Visit the Pittsburgh Zoo. It's over a hundred years old. About 31 hectares contain almost 480 species, and 20 of them are on the verge of survival. Explore the zoo, look out for African savannas, Asian and tropical forests. Check out the life of marine creatures in the huge aquarium on the zoo's grounds.
• Go shopping! The trendiest designer houses and boutiques are located on Ellsworth Avenue. Shoppers on a budget should head to 5th Avenue, where they will find popular shops that offer discounts all year round. If you're looking for souvenirs, check out Grandpa Joe's. Here you can buy artfully painted porcelain dishes, unique souvenirs, and handmade chocolate.
• Try the local cuisine. Order cheesesteak (a bun stuffed with bacon, cheese, pepper, and onion), deep-fried chicken slices. And for dessert — pancakes with berries and fruits, local chocolate products.