These Vintage Photos From Pittsburgh's Smoky Era Are Incredible

In the early 1800s, Pittsburgh was known as one of the most productive coal towns in the country. The area was also known for producing petroleum, natural gas, and lumber. And of course, we could not talk about Pittsburgh industry without mentioning its status as Iron City. In 1815 alone, the city produced $764,000 in iron.

As a side effect of this intense manufacture economy, pollution was inevitable. By 1816, the year Pittsburgh was incorporated as a city, it was already known for being constantly covered in a thick fog of coal dust.

University of Pittsburgh has compiled a collection of photographs from the 1930s and 40s that showcase the city at its most polluted. Check them out below.

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This photograph was taken downtown during the 1930s; the area is unrecognizable from present day.

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Here we have the 600 block of Liberty Avenue, circa 1940.

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Discussions about smoke control in Pittsburgh began in 1807, way before the problem grew this exaggerated. The city didn't enact legislation until much later.

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The idea that excess smoke production indicated productivity led many to regard the haze with pride. Also, some people said that the coal smoke aided crop growth or was even good for the lungs.

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In 1941, a smoke control ordinance was passed in Pittsburgh, but because of World War II, it was not enforced until a few years later.

University of Pittsburgh

Beginning in 1946, lobbyists targeted locomotives and the steel industry to produce cleaner air. After the 1948 pollution disaster in nearby Donora, which claimed the lives or health of half the town, Pittsburgh formed the Bureau of Air Pollution Control.

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The efforts to clean Pittsburgh's air were successful, and today no indication remains in the city of its sooty past.

Thanks to the University of Pittsburgh for archiving these amazing photos. Check out the full Smoke Control Lantern Slide Collection for yourself on the university’s website.

What do you think? Did you know about any of this? Tell us in the comments below!