150 Years since the Civil War Split the American County. What role did Pittsburgh play? No battles were fought on the ground in this region, but Pittsburgh and its countryside were critical in industrial, military, financial and political support for the Union cause. Pittsburgh designed and manufactured steamboats, locomotives, freight cars, iron.”Iron City”. Fort Pitt Foundry supplied 15 percent of the Unions wartime orders for weaponry and supplies. Pittsburgh manufactured the world’s then-largest cannon and nearly 1,200 guns used in the war.
The area is also the birthplace of a number of wartime heroes who fought in some of the Civil War’s most notable battles, including John White Geary who commanded the “White Star Division” (Twelfth Army Corps) during the Battle of Gettysburg and later went on to become governor of Pennsylvania. Journalist Jane Grey Swisshelm, known for her radical abolitionist newspapers and political activism, also hails from this region. Below are some sites that are related to the Civil War:
http://www.soldiersandsailorshall.org/
Many exhibits displaying military artifacts and personal mementos. The Gettysburg Room is dedicated to the Civil War and the Hall of Valor which pays tribute to American heroes.
Plaque Honoring Jane Grey Swisshelm
Dedicated to ending slavery, Swisshelm faced countless threats as editor of several radical abolitionist newspapers. View this plaque in her honor at the Heinz headquarters.
National Historic Landmarks of the Underground Railroad in the U.S., the house of Francis Julius LeMoyne was a safe haven for those seeking refuge as they tried to escape from slavery.
Blairsville Area Underground Railroad Project
Tour the town of Blairsville—a stop along an Underground Railroad route in Pennsylvania—for a look at the many Underground Railroad sites.
Allegheny Cemetery
Visit the graves of soldiers who served in the Civil War, both for the Confederate and Union armies, at the Allegheny Cemetery.
Just getting back from VisitPittsburgh's 2010 Co-op advertising meeting. It was held at the Children's Museum on the North Shore this morning. What a great venue! I hadn't been there before today and was excited to see such a fun AND educational museum!
Thanks to all VisitPittsburgh partners who participated- we're excited for our 2010 campaign! There are so many great things in this city and the countryside to promote.
Can't believe 2009 is almost over!
Washington County lies in the southern part of Pennsylvania. From exciting professional sports played in an intimate, modern setting to the best locations for the outdoor enthusiast to run wild, adventure awaits you in Washington County.
Follow ribbons of country road to covered bridges, antique shops, restaurants, fairs and festivals, museums and more. Visit Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Museum of Rural Life in Avella, PA, which provides a glimpse into the lives of North America's prehistoric people. You can handle stone tools and discover ancient hunting techniques at the dig site. You can also learn early methods of wool spinning and weaving, play children's games and pick up some money-savings home restoration tips from a restored 19th century rural village.
Head to the David Bradford House. Built by David Bradford, infamous leader of The Whiskey Rebellion, in 1788, it is Washington County’s finest 18th century home. The house is open May-October for tours and features educational exhibitions and fine antique furniture.
LeMoyne House invites visitors to share a secrety journey. Francis LeMoyne practiced medicine by day and led the abolitionist movement by night. LeMoyne House is the first National Historic Landmark of the Underground Railroad in Pennsylvania.
The Meadows Racetrack and Casino offers a variety of entertainment in one venue. There's eight restaurants, more than 3,700 slots, harness racing, gaming and bowling. Great fun for everyone.
Washington County will "wow" you!
Lawrence County is known as the Fireworks Capital of America and is located north of Pittsburgh. There's lots to see and do including entertainment options such as the ballet, community theater, historic museums, art galleries, restaurants and more.
The Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts offers art galleries in an environment of Victorian opulence. The Scottish Rite Cathedral contains one of the largest stages between New York and Chicago. Described as New Castle's "cultural jewel", the historic four building complex offers an environment of historical interest while housing art galleries, classrooms, studios and a collection of fine arts library on five manicured acres of the residential North Hill.
Living Treasures Animal Park features 100 species of animals, including an exotic white tiger. Visitors can pet and feed some of the animals at the petting zoo. The "Stuff your own Animal" stand lets customers pick their favorite animals, stuff it, and dress it up! Get up close and make friends with baby lambs, baby camels, sheep, goats, pot belly pigs, llamas, yaks and Muffin, the miniature Cow with buck teeth!
Railroad enthusiasts will be right on track at the Harlansburg Station Museum of Transportation, where you'll find exhibits of transportation memorabilia plus a unique gift shop.This is a story on the creation of one man's dream, his own personal museum that he now shares with the public. It is the Harlansburg Station, Museum of Transportation. Donald Barnes, a retired US Air pilot, started collecting things 30 years ago, such as an airplane propeller, the frame of an unassembled bi-plane and more. He built an airstrip and airplane hanger to house future museum exhibits, as well as a grass airstrip. His collection grew to include two full size antique Greyhound buses, old gas pumps, porcelain signs, railroad tools, badges from steel mills, an airliner galley, a Model T 1949 Ford truck, parachutes, leather flying pants and four passenger railroad cars. He built a museum so that he could share his passion for transportation. Today the museum features over 3,000 objects.
There are also lots of outdoor activities in Lawrence County, including West Park Nature Center and Villa Maria Wetlands Trail. West Park is a 108-acre park brimming with wildflowers and an abundance of bird species and several acres of wetlands. Villa Maria Wetlands Trails is an inland wetland area providing four distinct views.
So head to Lawrence County. Whether you see the dazzle of fireworks or the beauty of Christmas trees, you will have a great experience.
It's a wonderful life in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, home to Hollywood legend Jimmy Stewart. Known as the "Christmas Tree Capital of the World," Indiana County, located within a one-hour drive of Pittsburgh, produces more than 80,000 trees annually that are shipped all around the United States, Canada and Mexico.
There is an abundance of history and culture and much to offer visitors.The Jimmy Stewart Museum highlights the life and career of the actor who was born and raised in Indiana County. View Stewart's film clips and career retrospectives in an intimate, 1930's vintage movie theatre. Plush with navy velvet drapes and wine colored seats, the theatre features the best of the old and new. The state-of-the-art sound and projection system was donated by Universal City Studios of Hollywood. Jimmy Stewart afficionados have transformed the third floor of the Indiana Public Library into a museum that captures the quiet magic and small town charm that catapulted the star to enduring fame.
Share some country roads with horse drawn buggies in the Amish settlement of Smicksburg where you can visit specialty shops featuring handmade goods. Step back in time and retrace the fugitive slaves' journey to freedom throughout the Indiana Underground Railroad.
If you like to hike there are very cool trails in Indiana County. The Ghost Town Trail is a 16-mile rails-to-trails path named after the five former mining towns that once existed along the railroad corridor. The Hoodlebug Trail follows the abandoned Indiana Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad, Indiana County's first railroad. Hoodlebug was the nickname of the self-propelled passenger coach that ran on the line up until 1940.
Dane Castle offers enchantment and mystery. The 12th-century medieval castle is a replica of the White Tower in London and a fun place to visit. See weapons, suits of armor, and medieval art. As you cross the drawbridge, you see the huge castle doors. Start at the Greek and Roman age weapons, including spears, swords and daggers, then move into the Viking age, viewing bearded and great axes, shields and helmets, and through to Arabic, Egyptian and Oriental weapons.
Indiana County is filled with endless cool things to see and do. It's a wonderful destination!
If you need a quiet getaway to a gentle countryside, head to Greene County,located 50 miles south of Pittsburgh in the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania. Filled with secluded country roads, stately churches, scenic river trails and charming covered bridges, Greene County is rich in history and tradition. The rolling farmlands and small towns offer a slower, quieter pace in a peaceful setting.
From the unique shopping and dining in historic Waynesburg, to the natural beauty of the trails and woodlands surrounding the Monongahela River, Greene County offers something for everyone. Enjoy the great outdoors with scenic bike rides, hiking and golfing or enjoy the simple pleasure of relaxing at a peaceful bed & breakfast getaway. Tour one of many historic sites or visit a farm.
There are many attractions to discover in Greene County.The Green County Historical Museum is housed in a building that was constructed in the 1860s. There are many artifacts, photographs and historical papers within the museum, as well as picnic areas, trails, a reconstructed log cabin and a one-room schoolhouse on-site.
The Mason-Dixon Historical Park is a recreational facility located on the most famous boundary in America which was completed in 1767. The park commemorates the famous Mason-Dixon Line.
Adventure seekers will love to explore the Warrior and Catawba Trails, outdoor Indian trails that run through the County. The Catawba Trail was used by the Seneca Iroquois in wars against the southern Cherokee and Catawba tribes. The Warrior Trail is a 53-mile East-West trail running from the Monongahela River to the Ohio River, used by Native Americans to obtain necessary supplies for survival, like flint.
With its abundant festivals, events and activities, there is always something fun and interesting for the whole family to enjoy! Sometimes the grass is Greene-er!
Just 20 minutes north of Pittsburgh lies Butler County, a great destination with dozens of historical sites and the state's largest man-made lake -- Lake Arthur -- located in Moraine State Park. Explore this beautiful park that has more than 16,000 unspoiled acres.
Visit the Maridon Museum, the only museumin the Western Pennsylvania region with a specific focus on Chinese and Japanese art and culture. The museum's permanent collection includes more than 800 art objects in a wide variety of materials and sizes.
Take a tour of the Butler County Heritage Center, which is Butler County’s only comprehensive museum showcasing the many industrial accomplishments of the last 200+ years, and see the county’s historical treasures, including exhibits of Pullman-Standard and the oil industry.
If you love to shop you'll want to stop by Baldinger's Market just south of Zelienople. This quaint market will take you back in time with its wooden floors, crank cash register and penny candies. You'll also find one of the largest selection of cookie cutters around at Baldingers.
Check out Playthings, Etc., a one-of-a-kind toy store housed in one of the most unique buildings in the county. They have a vast selection of games and interactive toys for the entire family.
Jennings Environmental Education Center is a 20-acre prairie ecosystem that's home to 12 endangered and other distinct prairie plants as well as the endangered Massasauga Rattlesnake. Fivemiles of trails wind through the 300-acre center, enabling visitors to enjoy a variety of woodlands, wetlands and prairie.
Butler County awaits you!
Beaver County, located northwest of Pittsburgh, is surrounded by rolling hills, hardwood forests, river valleys and streams. There are lots of parks providing a plethora of outdoor activities thorughout the year. Beaver County's rich multicultural heritage offers dozens of ethnic festivals. There is a lot to see and do including museums, theater and recreation.
Old Economy Village was the home of the nineteenth century Christian communal group, the Harmony Society. Established in 1824, Economy was known worldwide for its piety and industrial prosperity. Encounter traditional tradesmen, tour original Harmonist structures and explore fragrant ornamental gardens.
The Air Heritage Museum at the Beaver County Airport features World War II planes and artifacts and is the only air museum between Dayton, Ohio and Washington, D.C.
Buttermilk Falls, located in Homewood Junction Village, is an all-natural area park that features a 40-foot scenic sandstone formation and waterfall. The site was once a quarry for sandstone. It now contains some trails that parallel a series of rapids and waterfalls. Although the main trail is not long, it offers some peace and tranquility (once you get away from the traffic on Route 18) and some scenic views.
Enjoy the country charms of Hozak Farms, an old barn filled with unique gifts, antiques and collectibles. Located in Clinton, it is the area's largest year-round Christmas shop.
So head to Beaver County. You'll be glad you did!
Armstrong County is located in the very center of the Pennsylvania counties west of the Allegheny Mountains. Visitors to Armstrong County can explore the many challenging golf courses, trails to suit any level, trout streams and lakes and 52 miles of the Allegheny River.
There are many attractions in Armstrong County. The Armstrong County Courthouse & Former Jail, built in 1856, it is an elegant structure with a large portico, stone columns and highly ornamented dome. The former jail is a gothic style structure attached to the Courthouse. Mickey's Grist Mill is the site where a mill has been located for over 200 years. The former water-powered mill can be viewed from the outside.
Saint Patrick's Log Church is open April 15 through September 30. Early settlers built this church in 1806 after using the nearby grounds as a cemetery beginning in 1798. The rough-hewn log structure with wooden benches and wooden altar intact is open daily.
Golf enthusiasts will want to tee off at Lenape Heights Golf Course, which offers a fully-stocked pro shop, Sunset grill room and outdoor pavilion. The Birdsfoot Golf Club is only 40 minutes from downtown Pittbsburgh and located in scenic Buffalo Creek. Hikers will enjoy the challenging, scenic trails that wind through Armstrong County, like the Armstrong Trail, a 52.5-mile rails-to-trails path that's great for walking, jogging, bicycling, rollerblading, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.
Train lovers will love the Kiski Junction Railroad, a working freight shortline offering scenic, riverside tourist train rides in Pennsylvania. Saint Patrick's Log Church, a rough-hewn log structure built in 1806, is full of charm and history. Drake Log Cabin, built in 1816, is a one-room cabin that shows how early settlers lived.
So head to Armstrong County, famous for its friendly atmosphere and heartfelt hospitality, and experience a unique part of Pennsylvania.
It is an extreme privilege to live in a part of the country that is fortunate enough to experience the splendor and beauty of Autumn. Pittsburgh's hills are wrapped in a patchwork quilt of brilliant colors -- sunburst golds, pumpkin bright oranges and deep crimsons. Take a drive around Pittsburgh on a fall day and you will be immersed in a rainbow of vivid hues.
Taking in the sights of Autumn doesn't cost anything. Whether you are walking or driving. you will be surrounded by color. There are only a few weeks in October when the leaves are putting on their best show, so get out there and enjoy it.
Take a fun detour to an off-the-beaten path road that ribbons through a cathedral of trees. The sight will take your breath away. Take a long walk and listen to the song of the crisp leaves crackling beneath your feet. Reach down and pick up a leaf. Admire its rich shade. Appreciate its fragility.
Fall foliage is upon us. Pittsburgh and Its Countryside is dressed for Autumn. Don't miss the fashion show!
Yes, it's time for The Renaissance Festival and Artisans Marketplace. Starting this weekend August 29-30 and every weekend in September and Labor Day plus October 3-4, 2009. The streets of the kingdom will be filled with music and merriment and street characters. The castle gate to the realm will open at 10:30am and close at 6:30pm. for a day of family fun.
Jousters will compete and the children will enjoy their own Children's Realm There will be food, lot's of food with plenty of seating, as well as a Pirate's Pub and an Artisans Marketplace.
The festival will feature 6 themed weekends, the first one will welcome King Henry and Queen Anne's arrival to begin the festivities. Check out the website for other themed weekends.
Parking is free, pick a weekend and get ready for a step back in time and a day of merriment.
The Regatta takes place this weekend August 1st and 2nd at Moraine State Parks Lakeview Beach located in Butler County. Featuring canoe and kayak races, sailboat races, hot-air balloon launch, childrens games, live music and fireworks over the lake Saturday night. New this year is the display of antique cars and a climbing wall. Sunday there will be a blues jam @ 2pm. Plus you can test drive a canoe and a kayak and check out an oil well demonstration.
The beach will be open for swimming and picnic tables available for the people who want to pack and bring their own food. The event is free. Donations are requested, but not required.
This is the 246th anniversary of the Battle of Bushy Run and coming up this weekend is a re-enactment of The British victory during Pontiac's War over the Native American forces that ended the Indian siege of Fort Pitt. The re-enactment will take place at 11am and 1pm on Saturday and Sunday (August 1st and 2nd)
The two day event will consist of costumed re-enacters including soldiers, Native Americans, traders and camp followers. In addition to the re-creation, you will be able to visit an encampment, marketplace as well as tours of the museum.
Admission is $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for children. Bushy Run is located along Route 993 in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.
Take a scenic ride beside the Kiski River , listen to fun facts and local lore. You may even get to see "Gilpin George" a bear that frequents the area.
Kiski Junction Railroad located in Armstrong County is a working train that hauls freight for the Allegheny Ludlum Bagdad Plant to Norfolk Southern. So the train leaves exactly on time.
Go along with them as they haul freight and see a real working railroad plus an enjoyable beautiful scenic trip.
What are you doing Thursday night?
If you happen to be in Butler County, stop by the Streets of Cranberry (on Rt. 19), grab a cup of coffee and hang out for the FREE Summer Concert Series! Every Thursday, all summer long, the Streets of Cranberry is hosting local musicians right in the center of the shopping plaza.
Spectators can grab a seat on one of the many benches or cafe tables, watch kids play in the fountain and check out local favorites like Nick Marzock.
And if you want to come early... there is, of course, some great shopping to be done at one of the many stores in the Streets of Cranberry plaza.
Check it out!
Experience the 19th century way of life at Old Economy Village in Ambridge, PA, about 23 miles from downtown Pittsburgh. The Old Economy Village was the home of the 19th-century Christian communal group, the Harmony Society that was established in 1824. Economy was known worldwide for its piety and industrial prosperity.
Old Economy has a lot to offer visitors. Encounter traditional tradesmen performing historic chores such as blacksmithing. Tour the historic buildings on the site. There’s the Museum Building and Feast Hall that constructed between 1825 and 1826 that were opened to the public in 1827 as a Natural History and Fine Arts Museum. The Cabinet Shop contains original Harmonist tools, benches, and lathes that fashioned the buildings, woodwork, and furniture seen throughout the historic site. The Harmonist Clock Shop and Lock Shop are in an adjacent room. The Blacksmith Shop was built in 1900 as a garage and contains tools used for demonstrations of blacksmithing.
Old Economy Village hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Upcoming events include A Summer Day in 19th Century "Oekonomie"on July 25 from 11am-3pm where visitors can participate in many 19th century games and activities such as pulling taffy and making hand-cranked ice cream. On Sept. 26 don’t miss Erntefest: Harmonist Harvest Festival from 10 am–4:30 pm where visitors can learn how the Harmonists celebrated the harvest and prepared for the long Pennsylvania winter. Churn butter, make apple schnitz, or press apples for cider and more. Craftsmen will demonstrate their crafts or trade. Enjoy site tours, Harmonist music, and dozens of family-friendly activities and games. Homemade German food and baked goods will be available.
So check out Old Economy Village and experience life in a different culture in a bygone era. You'll learn a lot.
Take a fascinating look at American history through the eyes of great American artists at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, located in Greensburg, PA. Only 35 miles east of Pittsburgh, it is the only museum of American art in western Pennsylvania. Don’t miss the upcoming exhibition,“Right now you can Modern Masters from the Smithsonian American Art Museum” exhibition on display from June 14 through September 6, which examines the complex nature of American art in the mid-twentieth century. Featuring thirty-one of the most celebrated artists who came to maturity in the 1950s, the exhibition traces the history of this period through 43 key paintings and sculpture selected from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection. Other upcoming events include the 50th anniversary of the Museum, which opened in 1959. “50 Years into the Vision” is a year-long celebration with a myriad of activities happening through 2009. You are sure to find something different every time you look at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art.
All aboard for a fun time at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Located in Washington, PA (about 36 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh), the museum is a unique attraction where visitors actually experience the trolley era first hand by riding into the past on beautifully restored streetcars.
The Museum communicates the story of Pennsylvania's Trolley Era through a collection of electric railway and railroad equipment, artifacts and photo archives and a Visitor Education Center with exhibits and a gift shop with very cool treasures.
The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum has a variety of events throughout the year. Anything on Wheels! on June 28 features a variety of antique cars, N-scale and G-scale model train display, face painting, and other fun in a festive atmosphere. Visitors can ride the trolleys.
So get back on track at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum – way cool!
You can see one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces -- Fallingwater -- in the beautiful Laurel Highlands, a 90 minute drive from downtown Pittsburgh.
Designed for the Kaufmann Family in 1935, Fallingwater is dramatically cantilevered over a waterfall. The house doesn’t even appear to stand on solid ground, but instead stretches out over a 30’ waterfall. Nestled within a woodsy enclave and surrounded by lush foliage, Fallingwater is a peaceful, beautiful place to spend the day.
Entrusted to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Fallingwater is the only major Wright work to come into the public domain with its site, furnishings and art collection intact.
If it’s your first visit to Fallingwater, guided tours are the best way to see and learn about the house and Frank Lloyd Wright. Open for tours daily, except Wednesdays, mid-March through November. Advance ticket purchase or reservations are recommended to guarantee a tour, and you should book at least two weeks in advance for the best choice of tours and times. You can also purchase tickets online or by calling Visitor Services at 724-329-8501.
Experience what it was like to be a coal miner in the 1850's and today at Tour-Ed Mine & Museum, located in Tarentum, just 20 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. Guides are experienced coal miners who take visitors on an amazing, educational tour 160 feet below the Earth's surface.
This cool attraction is part of the history of the region and lots of fun. You put on a hard hat and board a train that takes you into the mine. Before your underground tour, you’ll learn the ins and outs about coal mining, miners and the equipment they use. Your instructor is a real coal miner who will share some mining tales and answer any questions you may have.
After modifying the mine for visitor comfort and safety, Tour-Ed Mine and Museum was officially opened in 1970. Since then over one million tours have been given by the staff of real miners.
So head to Tour-ed Mine & Museum for a totally "coal" experience!