Mount Washington Walking Tour (Self Guided), Pittsburgh

The Duquesne Incline is a type of railway system located close to the South Side neighborhood of Pittsburgh. It runs up Mount Washington in the city.

Initially powered by steam upon its completion in 1877, the purpose of the Duquesne Incline was to transport goods up and down Mount Washington during the late 19th century. Over time, it began to transport passengers, particularly residents of Mount Washington who found walking up the steep footpaths to be tiresome. Similar inclines were constructed across Mount Washington during this period. However, as more roads were built on the hill, most of these other inclines were shut down. By the late 1960s, only the Monongahela Incline and the Duquesne Incline remained operational.

In 1962, the Duquesne Incline was shut down, seemingly for good. It required significant repairs, but with few passengers, the private owners of the incline took little action. However, residents of Duquesne Heights initiated a fundraising campaign to support the incline's restoration. The campaign was highly successful, and on July 1, 1963, the incline reopened under the management of a non-profit organization committed to its preservation.

Since then, the Duquesne Incline has undergone extensive refurbishment. The cars have been restored to reveal their original wooden design after removing layers of paint. Additionally, an observation deck was constructed at the top, providing visitors with a panoramic view of Pittsburgh's "Golden Triangle." Today, the Duquesne Incline is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

Point of View Park is a prominent landmark situated on Mount Washington's edge, at the westernmost point of Grand View Scenic Byway Park, within the designated Pennsylvania scenic byway. This unique park offers visitors not just a panoramic view of Pittsburgh but also serves as a cultural and historical emblem through its eponymous bronze sculpture, "Point of View."

The sculpture, which has given the park its name, was dedicated in 2006 and stands as a significant piece of public art. It artfully depicts a historic meeting between George Washington and the Seneca leader Guyasuta. The two figures are shown with their weapons down, engaging in a face-to-face dialogue in October 1770, a moment captured during Washington's exploration of land along the Ohio River for future settlement. This encounter highlights a pivotal moment of dialogue and mutual respect between two leaders from different cultures at a formative time in American history.

Prior to its official dedication in October 2006, locals affectionately referred to the site as "Photography Park." This nickname stemmed from its popularity among tourists and photographers alike, who were drawn to its concrete overlook for the purpose of capturing the stunning cityscape below. The park's transformation from a favored photography spot to a historical landmark encapsulates its dual appeal as both a scenic viewpoint and a commemorative space, reflecting the rich tapestry of Pittsburgh's past and present.

Constructed in 1870, the Monongahela Incline stands as the oldest continuously operating funicular in the United States. Alongside its counterpart, the Duquesne Incline, it represents one of only two surviving inclines from the original 17 passenger-carrying inclines established in Pittsburgh during the late 19th century.

The rapid expansion of Pittsburgh's industrial sector in 1860 spurred a significant influx of labor, primarily from German immigrants. This surge in population led to a pressing housing shortage, as industry claimed much of the flat terrain near the river, leaving only the steep hillsides of Mount Washington, also known as "Coal Hill," available for residential development. However, accessibility between the hill and other areas was limited by inadequate roads and public transportation.

Drawing on memories of cable cars from their native land, the predominantly German immigrant community residing on Mount Washington proposed the construction of inclines along the face of Coal Hill. This initiative materialized into the Monongahela Incline, which commenced operations on May 28, 1870.

Today, the Port Authority of Allegheny County oversees the operation of the Monongahela Incline, along with Pittsburgh's transit system, primarily for tourism purposes. Serving as a popular attraction, the incline transports visitors to the summit of Mount Washington, offering breathtaking vistas of downtown Pittsburgh and its surroundings.