Lewis and Clark Expedition
Historical marker location:
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
( Marker is at the intersection of 11th Street and Fort Duquesne Boulevard, on the right when traveling west on 11th Street.)
Marker installed: 2008
A brief timeline of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
- 1803: President Thomas Jefferson commissions Meriwether Lewis, his personal secretary, to lead an expedition to explore the western territories of the United States and find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean.
- 1804: Lewis meets up with William Clark, a former army officer and experienced explorer, in Kentucky. They assemble a team of over 30 men and set out on the journey up the Missouri River.
- 1805: The expedition reaches the Rocky Mountains and crosses the Continental Divide. They build Fort Clatsop on the Pacific coast and spend the winter there, before returning east in the spring of 1806.
- 1806: Lewis and Clark split up to explore different routes on their way back to St. Louis. They reunite in September and return to civilization, where they are celebrated as national heroes.
- 1807: The Lewis and Clark Expedition publishes an official account of their journey, called the "History of the Expedition Under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark," which becomes a bestseller and helps to promote westward expansion.
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Pennsylvania was home to the first all-volunteer firefighting company in America, which was established in Philadelphia in 1736.
About Allegheny County
Allegheny County Timeline
Allegheny County, located in western Pennsylvania, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Shawnee and Delaware, European settlers arrived in the area during the 18th century. The French and Indian War and the American Revolution played significant roles in shaping the early days of the county, with events like the Battle of Bushy Run and the Whiskey Rebellion taking place within its borders.
The county's development, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, was heavily influenced by the rise of industry. With its abundant natural resources, including coal and iron ore, Allegheny County became a major center for steel production, earning the moniker "Steel City." The expansion of railroads and the construction of the Erie Canal further facilitated economic growth in the area.
Throughout its history, Allegheny County has been home to influential figures in politics, business, and culture. Pittsburgh, the county seat and largest city, has produced notable individuals such as Andrew Carnegie, who built a vast steel empire, and Rachel Carson, environmentalist and author of "Silent Spring." The region's thriving arts scene also includes the Carnegie Museums, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and the Pittsburgh Opera.
In recent decades, Allegheny County has undergone a transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a more diversified economy focused on healthcare, education, technology, and robotics. Although the decline of the steel industry caused significant challenges, the county has rebounded by embracing new industries and investing in urban revitalization efforts.
Today, Allegheny County remains a vibrant and culturally rich area, with a strong spirit of resilience and innovation. Its history continues to shape its present, as the county keeps evolving and adapting to the changing economic and social landscape.
The county's development, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, was heavily influenced by the rise of industry. With its abundant natural resources, including coal and iron ore, Allegheny County became a major center for steel production, earning the moniker "Steel City." The expansion of railroads and the construction of the Erie Canal further facilitated economic growth in the area.
Throughout its history, Allegheny County has been home to influential figures in politics, business, and culture. Pittsburgh, the county seat and largest city, has produced notable individuals such as Andrew Carnegie, who built a vast steel empire, and Rachel Carson, environmentalist and author of "Silent Spring." The region's thriving arts scene also includes the Carnegie Museums, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and the Pittsburgh Opera.
In recent decades, Allegheny County has undergone a transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a more diversified economy focused on healthcare, education, technology, and robotics. Although the decline of the steel industry caused significant challenges, the county has rebounded by embracing new industries and investing in urban revitalization efforts.
Today, Allegheny County remains a vibrant and culturally rich area, with a strong spirit of resilience and innovation. Its history continues to shape its present, as the county keeps evolving and adapting to the changing economic and social landscape.
Allegheny County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
- 1788 - Allegheny County is established on September 24.
- 1794 - The "Whiskey Rebellion" protests occur in the county.
- 1840 - The Pennsylvania Railroad arrives in Allegheny County, stimulating industrial development.
- 1873 - The Great Railroad Strike takes place in the county.
- 1889 - The Johnstown Flood affects parts of Allegheny County.
- 1907 - The Pittsburgh Pirates, now known as the Pittsburgh Steelers, are founded in Allegheny County.
- 1968 - Pittsburgh becomes the county seat of Allegheny County.
- 1981 - The collapse of the Kinzua Bridge impacts the county's transportation infrastructure.
- 1998 - The completion of the Pittsburgh International Airport's new terminal enhances air travel in the county.
- 2018 - Allegheny County celebrates its 230th anniversary.