A peek at these photos of Pittsburgh in the 70s may take you back to a whole different time in your life. Or, maybe you hadn’t yet been born or were very young in the 1970s, so you’re seeing Pittsburgh in the 1970s for the first time. Regardless of your age, you’ll likely find these 10 vintage photos of Pittsburgh in the 1970s mesmerizing. Although a lot has changed, seeing these unique images might still inspire you to pack your bags and head to Pittsburgh for a getaway. It’s a history rich city with a lot to offer.

The Pittsburgh skyline in 1973 shows smoke from the steel mills.
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
The skyline looks a lot different today, and you're not going to be inhaling smoke like that anymore, which is a win.
A photograph of Jones & McLaughlin Steel Company in 1973.
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
Despite the environmental impact, steel was an important part of Pittsburgh's history. The city wouldn't be where it is today without that industry.
Emerging from the Liberty Tunnel in 1974 to a vastly different skyline from the 21st century.
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
But you can still experience the grand reveal of seeing the city unfold while coming out of the tunnel.
A 1974 shot of the Smithfield Street Bridge, a still well-traveled bridge that connects downtown Pittsburgh to Station Square.
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
If you've been in Pittsburgh you've probably been on this bridge.
An unknown photographer stands at Kaufmann''s Department store to capture this 1978 shot of the Union Trust Building in downtown Pittsburgh.
Wikimedia Commons/Steve Morgan
The beautiful historic buildings are part of what makes downtown so special.

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A 1979 photograph of the Pat Tunnel Car House.
Wikimedia Commons/David Wilson
The cars have changed significantly since then, but the traffic probably hasn't.
Many of us pass Gateway Center, near KDKA-TV, when visiting downtown. Here's a vintage shot of Gateway Center from the 1970s.
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
The more things change...the more they stay the same. Rush hour traffic on the Parkway East in the 1970s looks a lot like the Parkway East during rush hour today: Congested.
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
But at least you can enjoy some city views while you're stuck there.
Tow barges traveling down the Ohio River were a common sight in Pittsburgh in the 1970s.
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
This waterway is just as beautiful as it was then, providing a little natural excitement to the city.
Traversing Pittsburgh in the 1970s meant hopping on a street car to get to your destination.
Wikmedia Commons/Voogd075 from nl
Public transit has changed a little, but many people still rely on it get to work day to day.

Click play above to view Pittsburgh Lumiere (1977) by YouTube user Kings for Dish.

Have you enjoyed a trip down Memory Lane to Pittsburgh in the 70s? How about going back just a little further? See what Pittsburgh looked like a century ago.

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More to Explore

Historic Neighborhoods In Pittsburgh

CC | May 15, 2024

What are the most historic areas of Pittsburgh?

Can’t get enough of these throwback images? Pittsburgh has a lot more history to share. Walking around some of the longstanding areas of the city will take you back in time. Be sure to stroll through these historic neighborhoods in Pittsburgh while you’re visiting.

  • Murray Hill Avenue
  • Allegheny West
  • Manchester
  • Market Square
  • Deutschtown
  • Schenley Farms
  • Alpha Terrace
  • Bloomfield
  • Mexican War Streets
  • The Hill District

 

What are the most historic restaurants in Pittsburgh?

History even runs deep in the cuisine in this city. You’ll find that many restaurants have been around for decades, and with good reason. Be sure to check out the most historic restaurants in Pittsburgh the next time you’re touring town. These spots are so good, you’ll start considering moving to Pittsburgh.

  • Church Brew Works – 3525 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
  • Terrace Room – Omni William Penn Hotel, 530 William Penn Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
  • The Grand Concourse – 100 W Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
  • The Inn on Negley – 703 S Negley Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
  • The Original Oyster House Pittsburgh – 20 Market Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
  • Primanti Brothers – 46 18th Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222
  • The Park House – 403 E. Ohio Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

 

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