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At the end of the 19th century, Pittsburgh's surrounding hills were dotted with inclined plane railways (funiculars). The about 17 inclines in the area transported people, freight, horses and even cars to and from the residential areas on the hills.
Duquesne Incline
At the time it was the only convenient way for the hilltop communities to commute to downtown Pittsburgh and the industrial areas near the river. One incline could transport several thousands of people on any given day. Competition with other means of transport resulted in the closure of most of the inclines during the early 20th century.
Today only two of those cable-powered inclines survive: the Duquesne and Monongahela inclines. Both connect the valley with South Side's Mount Washington. The inclines have become a popular tourist attraction, more than half of the passengers are visitors.
Today only two of those cable-powered inclines survive: the Duquesne and Monongahela inclines. Both connect the valley with South Side's Mount Washington. The inclines have become a popular tourist attraction, more than half of the passengers are visitors.
Monongahela Incline
Monongahela Incline
The Monongahela Incline's success during its early years of operation spawned many other privately owned inclines in the area. Competition from cars led to an eroding success, but the incline continued to operate privately until it was purchased in 1964 by the Port Authority of Allegheny County.
Duquesne Incline
Duquesne Incline
In 1962, after 85 years of service, Duquesne Incline was closed for repairs. With a steadily dwindling number of customers and resulting loss of income, the Duquesne Inclined Plane Company, who operated the incline, decided it could not afford the expensive but necessary repairs.
The Duquesne Incline would have been closed like so many others if it wasn't for local residents who launched a successful fund-raising campaign. With the funds provided by the local community, the Duquesne Incline Plane Company was able to reopen the incline in 1963. One year later the it was purchased by the Port Authority who now leases the incline for 1$ per year to the Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Incline, a non-profit group formed from the local community who rescued the incline in 1962.
View from the Platforms
At the top of the hill, near the incline stations are observation platforms offering not-to-miss views of the 'Golden Triangle', Pittsburgh's downtown.
1813
- Next: Smithfield Street Bridge
Location
Monongahela: W. Carson St., across from Station Square
Location
Duquesne: W. Carson St., just over Fort Pitt Bridge

