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Forgotten Stirling Engine Vaults Of Pittsburgh

Published:

by Adelle Toler

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Have you ever wondered about the hidden gems in Pittsburgh? One such gem is the Forgotten Stirling Engine Vaults. Tucked away beneath the bustling streets, these vaults hold a piece of history many locals don't even know exists. Originally built in the late 19th century, they housed innovative engines that powered parts of the city. Today, they stand as a testament to Pittsburgh's industrial past. Visiting these vaults offers a unique glimpse into the engineering marvels of yesteryears. Whether you're a history buff or just curious, exploring these vaults can be an unforgettable experience. Ready to dive into Pittsburgh's hidden history?

Forgotten Stirling Engine Vaults of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, known for its steel industry, has hidden gems that history buffs and curious minds will love. The Stirling engine vaults are a fascinating part of the city's past. These places, often overlooked, tell stories of innovation and engineering marvels. Let's dive into these forgotten treasures.

1. The Allegheny Arsenal

The Allegheny Arsenal, once a bustling military supply center, played a crucial role during the Civil War. It housed several Stirling engines used for various manufacturing processes. Today, remnants of these engines can still be found, offering a glimpse into the past.

  • Location: Lawrenceville neighborhood
  • Historical Significance: Key supplier of ammunition during the Civil War
  • Current State: Partially preserved ruins

2. The Westinghouse Air Brake Company

George Westinghouse, a pioneer in the field of engineering, founded the Westinghouse Air Brake Company. This site once featured Stirling engines that powered early air brake systems. The company's innovative spirit is still evident in the surviving structures.

  • Location: Wilmerding, PA
  • Historical Significance: Revolutionized railway safety with air brakes
  • Current State: Some buildings converted into museums and offices

3. The Carrie Blast Furnaces

The Carrie Blast Furnaces, part of the Homestead Steel Works, were integral to Pittsburgh's steel production. Stirling engines were used here to power various machinery, contributing to the city's industrial boom. The site now serves as a historical landmark.

  • Location: Rankin, PA
  • Historical Significance: Major steel production site
  • Current State: Preserved as a National Historic Landmark

4. The Heinz History Center

The Heinz History Center, while primarily focused on the Heinz company's history, also showcases Pittsburgh's industrial heritage. Among its exhibits, you'll find information about the Stirling engines that powered many of the city's factories.

  • Location: Strip District, Pittsburgh
  • Historical Significance: Largest history museum in Pennsylvania
  • Current State: Fully operational museum with interactive exhibits

5. The Bost Building

The Bost Building, once the headquarters for the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers, played a significant role during the Homestead Strike. It housed Stirling engines that powered the building's operations, symbolizing the era's technological advancements.

  • Location: Homestead, PA
  • Historical Significance: Center of labor movement during the Homestead Strike
  • Current State: National Historic Landmark and museum

6. The Frick Building

The Frick Building, commissioned by industrialist Henry Clay Frick, is an architectural marvel. It once utilized Stirling engines for its heating and cooling systems, showcasing the versatility of these engines in urban settings.

  • Location: Downtown Pittsburgh
  • Historical Significance: Example of early 20th-century skyscraper design
  • Current State: Fully functional office building with historical tours available

7. The Duquesne Incline

The Duquesne Incline, a funicular railway, offers stunning views of Pittsburgh. It originally used Stirling engines to power its ascent and descent, making it a unique blend of transportation and engineering history.

  • Location: Mount Washington, Pittsburgh
  • Historical Significance: One of the oldest continuously operating funiculars in the U.S.
  • Current State: Operational tourist attraction with historical exhibits

8. The Pittsburgh Glass Works

The Pittsburgh Glass Works, a leader in glass manufacturing, once relied on Stirling engines to power its production lines. These engines played a vital role in the company's ability to produce high-quality glass products.

  • Location: East Liberty, Pittsburgh
  • Historical Significance: Major contributor to the glass industry
  • Current State: Some original buildings remain, with parts of the site redeveloped

9. The Union Station

Union Station, also known as Penn Station, served as a major transportation hub. Stirling engines were used to power various station operations, highlighting their importance in keeping the city connected.

  • Location: Downtown Pittsburgh
  • Historical Significance: Key railway station in Pittsburgh's history
  • Current State: Restored and still in use as a transportation hub

10. The Pittsburgh Brewing Company

The Pittsburgh Brewing Company, famous for its Iron City Beer, utilized Stirling engines in its brewing process. These engines helped maintain the precise temperatures needed for brewing, showcasing their versatility.

  • Location: Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh
  • Historical Significance: One of the oldest breweries in the U.S.
  • Current State: Operational brewery with tours available

Rediscovering Pittsburgh's Hidden Gems

Pittsburgh's forgotten Stirling engine vaults offer a unique glimpse into the city's rich industrial past. These hidden treasures, often overlooked, tell stories of innovation and resilience. Exploring these vaults, you can appreciate the engineering marvels that once powered the city. They serve as a reminder of Pittsburgh's role in the industrial revolution and its ongoing legacy of ingenuity.

Visiting these sites, you not only learn about the Stirling engines but also gain a deeper understanding of the city's history. It's a chance to connect with the past while appreciating the advancements that have shaped the present. Whether you're a history buff or just curious, these vaults are worth the visit.

Next time you're in Pittsburgh, take a moment to explore these hidden gems. You'll leave with a newfound appreciation for the city's industrial heritage.