Rivers of Steel National Heritage Region

Discover the legacy of Big Steel as you explore the Pittsburgh area and the river valleys of Southwestern Pennsylvania. On riverboats and buses, you'll visit the great mill towns that gave this region the title "Steel Making Capital of the World." In Homestead, Aliquippa, and the other "company" towns, you'll learn how steel and mine workers struggled for safer working conditions, decent wages, and the right to organize. Tour a working coal mine Tarentum or view the Edgar Thomson Works in Braddock, a modern steel facility that was part of Andrew Carnegie's steel empire 125 years ago. Visit a preserved machine shop and foundry in Rices Landing along the Monongahela River then continue your trek to West Overton to visit the birthplace of "Coke King" Henry Clay Frick.

If it's cultural experiences you are looking for Pittsburgh has its share of attractions including the John Hein Regional History Center, Carnegie Science Center, Andy Warhol Museum, Heinz Hall, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and National Aviary to name a few. A ride on the incline to the top of Mt. Washington is a must for a panoramic view of the city and its three rivers. Afterwards, sample a few of the culinary delights offered in the numerous ethnic communities located throughout the Pittsburgh region.

Be here for the Pittsburgh Arts Festival in June or the Great Steel Valley Pierogi Cook-Off in late August. Catch a Pirates game or a Steelers match at the cities two newest sporting venues, PNC Park and Heinz Field. Or make it a cool treat and take in a Penguins game at the Mellon Area. Shed a few pounds hiking or biking the Youghiogheny River Trail - voted one of America's tops trails - and stop by Ohiopyle State Park to see the "falls, or do some whitewater rafting. Then check out Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural gem and roam the small towns and scenic byways of the Laurel Highlands.

Heritage Park Description

Planning is focused on the rich heritage of the iron and steel, coal and coke and other related industries in the seven counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland in the southwestern region of the state. Steel Industry Heritage Corporation depends on the support of its 500 surrounding communities to assist in conserving, interpreting, promoting, and managing the historic, cultural, natural, and recreational resources of this industrial heritage region.

Project Characteristics Size: 2,500 square miles Counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, Washington, Westmoreland Population: 2.5 million Municipalities: Boroughs - 242 Townships - 194 Third-Class Cities - 16 Major Highways: Pa. - 18, 28, 43, 51, 65, 68, 837 U.S. - 19, 22, 30, 40, 119 Interstate - 70, 76, 79, 279, 376 Key Communities: Aliquippa Beaver Falls Brownsville California Charleroi Connellsville McKeesport New Kensington Pittsburgh Major Attractions: Bost Building Pump House Carrie Furnaces Welcome Centers: Bost Building, 623 East 8th Avenue, Homestead, PA 15120 opening in January of 2002

Implementation Projects being undertaken by the Steel Industry Heritage Corporation include the development of the Steel Valley Trail along the Monongahela Rivers and through the communities of Braddock, Rankin and Munhall, restoration of the historic W. A. Young Machine Shop building in Rices Landing, and development of facilities to accommodate the Pittsburgh Voyager educational curriculum project.

Milestones

• 1989 – Project established
• 1993 – Steel Industry Heritage Corporation published the Steel Industry Heritage Concept Plan
• 1996 – Designated State Heritage Park
• 1999 – Designated a National Heritage Area

Heritage Park Organization

Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area
Steel Industry Heritage Corporation
The Bost Bldg.
623 E. Eighth Avenue
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 464-4020
Fax: (412) 464-4417
Web site: www.riversofsteel.com
E-mail: arcarlino@riversofsteel.com

Contact: August R. Carlino
Title: Executive Director

Organization Type: private non-profit

Mission/Purpose: To conserve, interpret, promote, and manage the historic, cultural, natural, and recreational resources of steel and related industries in southwestern Pennsylvania and to develop uses for these resources so they may contribute to the economic revitalization of the region.

Staff and Volunteers: 10 full time; 2 part time; 2 part time interns

Involved Organizations

Additional Project Supporters

• Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Heritage Parks Program

Tourist Promotion Agencies (TPAs) within Region:

• Allegheny County, Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau
  
• Armstrong County, Armstrong County Tourist Bureau
  
• Beaver County, Beaver County Recreation and Tourism  Department
  
• Fayette County, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau
  
• Greene County, Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency
  
• Washington County, Washington County Tourism Promotion  Agency
  
• Westmoreland County, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau
  

Pennsylvania's Heritage Regions

Allegheny Ridge Heritage Area Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Endless Mountains Heritage Region Lackawanna Heritage Valley Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor Lumber Heritage Region

National Road Heritage Corridor Oil Region National Heritage Area PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area

DCNR Home | Contact DCNR | Privacy Policy | Security Policy | PA Home