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| PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA Description: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where the Allegheny (left) and Monongahela rivers join to form the Ohio, shows little visual evidence today of its rich historic past. Unlike Harpers Ferry, which retains much of its 19th century character, Pittsburgh is a modern, bustling city and busy transportation center. In 1753, George Washington arrived at the confluence of the rivers here, and England sent a small force from Virginia to build a fort. The French, however, soon drove out the English and established Fort Duquesne in April 1754. French possession ended four years later, when the English returned to claim "this prodigious tract of fine, rich country" in the name of the King. On November 25, 1758, Gen. John Forbes founded the city of Pittsburgh. Lewis arrived in Pittsburgh on July 15, 1803, where he turned his attention to the construction of his keelboat. The boatbuilder made such slow progress on the craft, however, that Lewis was forced to bide his time for several weeks. Two members of the Corps of Discovery – John Colter and George Shannon – joined Lewis in Pittsburgh, and Lewis also bought his dog Seaman, paying $20 for the large black Newfoundland. On August 31, 1803, the keelboat was finally finished, and Lewis departed Pittsburgh. Credit: Copyright © PhotoDisc |
RELATED LINKS: Route of Meriwether Lewis from Harpers Ferry, Va. to Pittsburgh, Pa. Two Places Lay Claim to Laying a Keel (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) |
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