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#7: Cathedral Of LearningYou Picked Them: It's The '7 Wonders Of Pittsburgh' Finale
POSTED: 4:30 pm EDT September 19,
2007
UPDATED: 1:17 pm EDT October 7,
2007
PITTSBURGH -- In July, we asked you -- the WTAE Channel 4 Action News viewers -- which seven things you thought made this great city stand out from the rest of the world.Well, you responded with some creative choices. We received hundreds of e-mails at ThePittsburghChannel.com, and from those, we narrowed down the list to just 17 different choices.From there, we asked you to vote on your pick for the Seven Wonders of Pittsburgh. This time, thousands responded.
For the past few weeks, we've been revealing each of your choices. And today, we are finally ready to unveil the top two Wonders of Pittsburgh that you voted for.Make sure to check out videos from The Pittsburgh Channel's Ashley DiParlo, as well as the slideshows and external links surrounding Pittsburgh's Seven Wonders.
#1 View From Mt. WashingtonFour hundred feet above the Monongahela River, you'll get a sweeping panoramic view of this great city we call Pittsburgh.Whether it's day or night, these breathtaking views from Mt. Washington are our No. 1 wonder of Pittsburgh -- from the downtown skyline to Point State Park, and from the city's rivers and bridges to Heinz Field and PNC Park on the North Shore. "From the Grandview (Avenue) overlook, you really get a sense of the history of this city. It's just laid out in front of you," historian Michael Eversmeyer says. "It's like peeling layers back from an onion if you will. You've got the rivers that were the original transit systems, the railroads that were built alongside the river to supplement that, and then you've got the highways."Another example of Pittsburgh's history viewed from Mt. Washington is right along Fort Pitt Boulevard. Here, you'll find a row of commercial buildings between Market and Wood Streets. The buildings we see today were constructed after the great fire of 1845.So whether you're taking in the view from Grandview Park or sitting back in one of the inclines or taking in the entire Golden Triangle from the Duquesne Heights end, most Pittsburghers would agree it's one of the most beautiful places in America.Point State Park Fort Pitt Museum A View On Cities: Point State Park #2 The Point In the center of downtown Pittsburgh where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet to form the Ohio River, you'll find Point State Park, Pittsburgh's second wonder. The park at the center of the city acts as an escape for locals, a tourist attraction and the site for major cultural events in Pittsburgh.Point State Park also includes the outlines and remains of two of the oldest structures in Pittsburgh, Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne."The point was extremely significant historically because it was not only the birthplace of the city of Pittsburgh, but essentially it was the birthplace of the United States. It was at the Point the conflict between the English and the French in the French and Indian wars had its centerpiece and it was the English conquest of the forks of the Ohio and the establishment of Fort Pit in the 1750s that guaranteed that the North American continent would speak English and not French. And that would lead then to the American evolution and the establishment of the United States," historian Michael Eversmeyer says.Today, perhaps the main focal point of Point State Park is the fountain. Since 1974, over 800,000 gallons of water have been making this special fan like design that's meant to symbolize our three rivers.Every year, in October, the fountain runs pink in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
#3 The InclinesThousands of visitors and Pittsburgh residents take in the breathtaking view of the city of Pittsburgh while riding two very historical structures -- the Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines.The inclines come in as our third wonder. At one time, Pittsburgh had more inclines operating than any other city in the world. Today, only two have survived."Inclines that we have today are a remnant of what was about a dozen and half inclines that were located in different parts of Pittsburgh during the 19th century to provide access out of the river valleys to the tops of the hills," historian Michael Eversmeyer says.Originally the inclines were built to provide transportation from the Southside Flats to Mt. Washington, which in turn provided additional housing for Pittsburgh residents above the smoke from the steel mills.Built in 1870, the Monongahela Incline -- known to many of us as the Mon -- is the older of the two inclines. Today, the Port Authority of Allegheny County operates the Mon Incline.The Duquesne Incline was completed in 1877 and still has its original cars after all these years.The Duquesne Incline is like a true museum piece. It allows you to go back in time to see what the inclines were like in the 19th century.The original wooden tooth gears are still used today, as well as the cable drum. Both are located in the machine room and are available to view at the upper station.The Duquesne and Monongahela inclines both give you magnificent views of our great city. A round-trip ride on either costs less than $3 a person, but the view you get is priceless.The Duquesne Incline Pittsburgh Inclines Pittsburgh's Inclines
#4 Kennywood ParkOriginally built as a trolley park, Kennywood Park was constructed at the end of the Pittsburgh trolley line to encourage ridership back in the early 20th century.The park was one of 13 amusement parks intended as a railroad destination spot in southwestern Pennsylvania.Today, Kennywood is the only survivor. And with a loyal, local fan base, it's our fourth wonder of Pittsburgh. People began picnicking here way back in 1898. And over the years Kennywood has grown as a popular entertainment site for Pittsburghers, combining the latest modern thrill rides with some of its originals.Kennywood's three wooden roller coasters of the 1920s -- the Jack Rabbit, Racer and Thunderbolt -- have all survived and are enjoyed more than ever today.Kennywood's first million-dollar ride, the Log Jammer, was put in the 1970s and is still in use today.Today, Kennywood continues to add one great ride after another.Favorites include: Phantom's Revenge, the Cosmic Chaos, the Sling Shot and the Merry-Go-Round.The History of Kennywood
#5 Pittsburgh's Bridges and TunnelsPittsburgh is smack-dab in the middle of three rivers, not to mention its surrounding mountains.We've come to rely on the many bridges and tunnels that connect downtown to our many city suburbs.So an abundant supply of both bridges and tunnels was an essential element in the development of our great city, making that our fifth wonder. "Pittsburgh needed bridges as well as tunnels in order to be able to prosper in a topography that's made up of river valleys, ravines, mountains and so forth," historian Michael Eversmeyer says.Pittsburgh is known around the country and throughout the world as the "city of bridges," with a total of 446 in the region -- even more than Venice, Italy, which comes in with just over 400. In fact, Pittsburgh has just about one of every basic type of bridge possible, except a drawbridge.The bridge that started it all is found right next to Station Square."The first bridge in Pittsburgh's history was the first of the three Smithfield Street Bridges. It was built in 1818. It was a wooden bridge that burned in the fire of 1845. The oldest functioning bridge in Pittsburgh is the current Smithfield Street Bridge. It is the third of the ones that were built there in 1883," Eversmeyer says.The Smithfield Street Bridge is known as a Lenticular Truss bridge because of its two main lenticular spans. There's no other bridge like it in the country.And according to a plaque on the Smithfield Street Bridge, it's a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.Another interesting bridge is the 10th Street Bridge. It's the only true suspension bridge out of all 446.The Roberto Clemente Bridge (Sixth Street Bridge), Andy Warhol Bridge (Seventh Street Bridge) and the Rachel Carson Bridge (Ninth Street Bridge) are perhaps better known as The Three Sister bridges -- three parallel, nearly identical, self-anchored suspension bridges.Other notable spans include the Fort Pitt, Fort Duquesne, West End and Liberty Bridges.And let's not forget that around Pittsburgh, the heaviest traffic jams are attributed to our many tunnels that act as the key way of transportation in and out of downtown.The oldest functioning tunnel in the city is the current Mount Washington Transit Tunnel, built in 1904.You also have the Liberty, Fort Pitt, Squirrel Hill, Armstrong and Wabash tunnels; each one provides transportation to thousands of people every day.PghBridges.com
#6 The Cathedral of LearningThe 42-story Cathedral of Learning is the centerpiece of Oakland. It is the building that marks the east end of Pittsburgh. And as both a local and national landmark, no wonder it was voted as Pittsburgh's 6th Wonder.It all began back in 1921, when John Bowman arrived in the city to become the tenth chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh. The story goes that he asked the cab driver to take him to the university, but the cab driver didn't know where it was; that's when Bowman decided to change all that with his vision of what's now the Cathedral of Learning."They began that construction in 1926 until 1937. The building topped out at 535 feet. It is dramatically different from anything around it," historian Michael Eversmeyer says.The cathedral is the tallest educational building in the western hemisphere and the second-tallest educational building in the world."To a certain extent, it symbolizes higher education in western Pennsylvania," Eversmeyer says.Everyone knows what the building looks like on the outside, but inside there are many unique features that fill this 42-floor structure. Once inside the cathedral you first enter the first floor common room."There is a gigantic common room which is used for students' interactions in the middle of the building down in the gothic style," Eversmeyer says.Inside the Cathedral, you'll also find what are known as the 26 Nationality Rooms.When the cathedral was first constructed, each nationality that had a significant number of people in Pittsburgh was allowed to design a room, as a way of celebrating the city's diverse cultural background.Almost all of the nationality rooms are still in use today as classrooms at the University of Pittsburgh.For example, the Austrian room will make you feel like true royalty, with crystal chandeliers and painted ceilings depicting scenes from Roman Mythology.Modeled after a palace hall in Beijing's Forbidden City, the Chinese room even has an Imperial golden dragon on the ceiling.Another nationality room is the Indian Classroom, which celebrates Indian's Golden Age.And finally, the display cases in the Japanese Nationality Room hold traditional carpenter tools, arts and crafts from Japanese culture.You can explore all the nationality rooms and learn more about the Cathedral by taking a virtual tour at NationalityRooms.com.
#7 Steeler NationThey say Steelers fans are unlike any other fans in the NFL. The black and gold is a part of what Pittsburgh stands for, from where this city once was to where it stands today.Being a fan of the black and gold is much more than just a passion, it's a way of life. It's a part of who many of you are.And Steeler fans know no boundaries. Being a fan goes beyond just Pittsburgh and that's why Steeler Nation has been voted as Pittsburgh's Seventh Wonder.Steeler Nation first began with the Super Steelers of the 1970s during Pittsburgh's economic depression. Thousands of people were forced to relocate, but they never lost their love for our great city, or their passion for the Steelers.Today, Steelers fans stretch across the country and all the way around the world.Perhaps Channel 4 viewer Angy Malloy writes it best: "The Steelers have been such a huge part of our past -- they have been here through the ups and the downs of this city. Our team is more than football, TV cameras, beer commercials, and dollar signs. It's a tradition, and in some homes, almost a religion. The Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans are certainly one of Pittsburgh's wonders that will never be matched by another city ... ever."Unfortunately due to NFL regulations, we are unable to post any Steelers footage online, meaning that there is no video report on Pittsburgh's Seventh Wonder: Steeler Nation.We have, however, put together several image slideshows for your viewing pleasure:Slideshow: Your Steelers Kids And Pets
Slideshow: Terrible Towels Around The World
Slideshow: Fan Photos From Training Camp
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#1 View From Mt. WashingtonFour hundred feet above the Monongahela River, you'll get a sweeping panoramic view of this great city we call Pittsburgh.Whether it's day or night, these breathtaking views from Mt. Washington are our No. 1 wonder of Pittsburgh -- from the downtown skyline to Point State Park, and from the city's rivers and bridges to Heinz Field and PNC Park on the North Shore. "From the Grandview (Avenue) overlook, you really get a sense of the history of this city. It's just laid out in front of you," historian Michael Eversmeyer says. "It's like peeling layers back from an onion if you will. You've got the rivers that were the original transit systems, the railroads that were built alongside the river to supplement that, and then you've got the highways."Another example of Pittsburgh's history viewed from Mt. Washington is right along Fort Pitt Boulevard. Here, you'll find a row of commercial buildings between Market and Wood Streets. The buildings we see today were constructed after the great fire of 1845.So whether you're taking in the view from Grandview Park or sitting back in one of the inclines or taking in the entire Golden Triangle from the Duquesne Heights end, most Pittsburghers would agree it's one of the most beautiful places in America.
#3 The InclinesThousands of visitors and Pittsburgh residents take in the breathtaking view of the city of Pittsburgh while riding two very historical structures -- the Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines.The inclines come in as our third wonder. At one time, Pittsburgh had more inclines operating than any other city in the world. Today, only two have survived."Inclines that we have today are a remnant of what was about a dozen and half inclines that were located in different parts of Pittsburgh during the 19th century to provide access out of the river valleys to the tops of the hills," historian Michael Eversmeyer says.Originally the inclines were built to provide transportation from the Southside Flats to Mt. Washington, which in turn provided additional housing for Pittsburgh residents above the smoke from the steel mills.Built in 1870, the Monongahela Incline -- known to many of us as the Mon -- is the older of the two inclines. Today, the Port Authority of Allegheny County operates the Mon Incline.The Duquesne Incline was completed in 1877 and still has its original cars after all these years.The Duquesne Incline is like a true museum piece. It allows you to go back in time to see what the inclines were like in the 19th century.The original wooden tooth gears are still used today, as well as the cable drum. Both are located in the machine room and are available to view at the upper station.The Duquesne and Monongahela inclines both give you magnificent views of our great city. A round-trip ride on either costs less than $3 a person, but the view you get is priceless.
#4 Kennywood ParkOriginally built as a trolley park, Kennywood Park was constructed at the end of the Pittsburgh trolley line to encourage ridership back in the early 20th century.The park was one of 13 amusement parks intended as a railroad destination spot in southwestern Pennsylvania.Today, Kennywood is the only survivor. And with a loyal, local fan base, it's our fourth wonder of Pittsburgh. People began picnicking here way back in 1898. And over the years Kennywood has grown as a popular entertainment site for Pittsburghers, combining the latest modern thrill rides with some of its originals.Kennywood's three wooden roller coasters of the 1920s -- the Jack Rabbit, Racer and Thunderbolt -- have all survived and are enjoyed more than ever today.Kennywood's first million-dollar ride, the Log Jammer, was put in the 1970s and is still in use today.Today, Kennywood continues to add one great ride after another.Favorites include: Phantom's Revenge, the Cosmic Chaos, the Sling Shot and the Merry-Go-Round.
#5 Pittsburgh's Bridges and TunnelsPittsburgh is smack-dab in the middle of three rivers, not to mention its surrounding mountains.We've come to rely on the many bridges and tunnels that connect downtown to our many city suburbs.So an abundant supply of both bridges and tunnels was an essential element in the development of our great city, making that our fifth wonder. "Pittsburgh needed bridges as well as tunnels in order to be able to prosper in a topography that's made up of river valleys, ravines, mountains and so forth," historian Michael Eversmeyer says.Pittsburgh is known around the country and throughout the world as the "city of bridges," with a total of 446 in the region -- even more than Venice, Italy, which comes in with just over 400. In fact, Pittsburgh has just about one of every basic type of bridge possible, except a drawbridge.The bridge that started it all is found right next to Station Square."The first bridge in Pittsburgh's history was the first of the three Smithfield Street Bridges. It was built in 1818. It was a wooden bridge that burned in the fire of 1845. The oldest functioning bridge in Pittsburgh is the current Smithfield Street Bridge. It is the third of the ones that were built there in 1883," Eversmeyer says.The Smithfield Street Bridge is known as a Lenticular Truss bridge because of its two main lenticular spans. There's no other bridge like it in the country.And according to a plaque on the Smithfield Street Bridge, it's a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.Another interesting bridge is the 10th Street Bridge. It's the only true suspension bridge out of all 446.The Roberto Clemente Bridge (Sixth Street Bridge), Andy Warhol Bridge (Seventh Street Bridge) and the Rachel Carson Bridge (Ninth Street Bridge) are perhaps better known as The Three Sister bridges -- three parallel, nearly identical, self-anchored suspension bridges.Other notable spans include the Fort Pitt, Fort Duquesne, West End and Liberty Bridges.And let's not forget that around Pittsburgh, the heaviest traffic jams are attributed to our many tunnels that act as the key way of transportation in and out of downtown.The oldest functioning tunnel in the city is the current Mount Washington Transit Tunnel, built in 1904.You also have the Liberty, Fort Pitt, Squirrel Hill, Armstrong and Wabash tunnels; each one provides transportation to thousands of people every day.
#6 The Cathedral of LearningThe 42-story Cathedral of Learning is the centerpiece of Oakland. It is the building that marks the east end of Pittsburgh. And as both a local and national landmark, no wonder it was voted as Pittsburgh's 6th Wonder.It all began back in 1921, when John Bowman arrived in the city to become the tenth chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh. The story goes that he asked the cab driver to take him to the university, but the cab driver didn't know where it was; that's when Bowman decided to change all that with his vision of what's now the Cathedral of Learning."They began that construction in 1926 until 1937. The building topped out at 535 feet. It is dramatically different from anything around it," historian Michael Eversmeyer says.The cathedral is the tallest educational building in the western hemisphere and the second-tallest educational building in the world."To a certain extent, it symbolizes higher education in western Pennsylvania," Eversmeyer says.Everyone knows what the building looks like on the outside, but inside there are many unique features that fill this 42-floor structure. Once inside the cathedral you first enter the first floor common room."There is a gigantic common room which is used for students' interactions in the middle of the building down in the gothic style," Eversmeyer says.Inside the Cathedral, you'll also find what are known as the 26 Nationality Rooms.When the cathedral was first constructed, each nationality that had a significant number of people in Pittsburgh was allowed to design a room, as a way of celebrating the city's diverse cultural background.Almost all of the nationality rooms are still in use today as classrooms at the University of Pittsburgh.For example, the Austrian room will make you feel like true royalty, with crystal chandeliers and painted ceilings depicting scenes from Roman Mythology.Modeled after a palace hall in Beijing's Forbidden City, the Chinese room even has an Imperial golden dragon on the ceiling.Another nationality room is the Indian Classroom, which celebrates Indian's Golden Age.And finally, the display cases in the Japanese Nationality Room hold traditional carpenter tools, arts and crafts from Japanese culture.You can explore all the nationality rooms and learn more about the Cathedral by taking a virtual tour at NationalityRooms.com.
#7 Steeler NationThey say Steelers fans are unlike any other fans in the NFL. The black and gold is a part of what Pittsburgh stands for, from where this city once was to where it stands today.Being a fan of the black and gold is much more than just a passion, it's a way of life. It's a part of who many of you are.And Steeler fans know no boundaries. Being a fan goes beyond just Pittsburgh and that's why Steeler Nation has been voted as Pittsburgh's Seventh Wonder.Steeler Nation first began with the Super Steelers of the 1970s during Pittsburgh's economic depression. Thousands of people were forced to relocate, but they never lost their love for our great city, or their passion for the Steelers.Today, Steelers fans stretch across the country and all the way around the world.Perhaps Channel 4 viewer Angy Malloy writes it best: "The Steelers have been such a huge part of our past -- they have been here through the ups and the downs of this city. Our team is more than football, TV cameras, beer commercials, and dollar signs. It's a tradition, and in some homes, almost a religion. The Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans are certainly one of Pittsburgh's wonders that will never be matched by another city ... ever."Unfortunately due to NFL regulations, we are unable to post any Steelers footage online, meaning that there is no video report on Pittsburgh's Seventh Wonder: Steeler Nation.We have, however, put together several image slideshows for your viewing pleasure:Slideshow: Your Steelers Kids And Pets
Slideshow: Terrible Towels Around The World
Slideshow: Fan Photos From Training Camp
Copyright 2007 by ThePittsburghChannel. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
