November 7, 2014
The Environmental History of Pittsburgh, the “Steel City”
Environmental history is defined as “study of human interaction over time.” Every region in the world has their share of environmental history. The history can span from being known for a certain type of industry, such as lumber or if a big environmental event, such as the oil spill in the Gulf, occurs. By looking at the city of Pittsburgh, one will be able to examine certain industries that reigned there such as, the steel and iron industry. In addition, by looking at the environmental event, known as the Renaissance, one will be able to see how the city of Pittsburgh went through a cleansing of the environment and how that affected the city then and into …show more content…
This fire destroyed many buildings and caused nine million dollars’ worth of damage. This set Pittsburgh back when it came to industry and conducting its day-to-day activities, however, after the fire there was a period of restoration that occurred (“History of Pittsburgh”). Once this period began the railroad system in Pittsburgh was born. In 1851, the Ohio and Pennsylvania Railroad System was created that connects Cleveland and Allegheny City, which are two important cities when it comes to commerce (“Economic Geography” …show more content…
By seeing just how important Pittsburgh was for the iron and steel industry, it can also be said that Pittsburgh helped the United States advance when it came to the Industrial Revolution. By the steamboat being invented and seeing how big of an impact that had when it came to the rivers, it just shows how far the country has come. The business of the rivers was extremely poignant to Pittsburgh as it was when it came to the business of the rivers in the Northwest and it just shows how big cities can relate to each other in many aspects. Environmentally Pittsburgh has come a long way, but I also think that just like other cities, it can still make improvements and help work towards fighting the global battle becoming a more “green”