The Oldest Funicular In America Is Right Here In Pittsburgh And It's Amazing
By Beth Price-Williams|Published March 04, 2017
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Ask any Pittsburgher where to go for the most spectacular views of the Pittsburgh skyline. You’re likely to hear the same answer over and over: Atop Mount Washington. Get to the top of Mount Washington by riding the oldest funicular in America.
The Monongahela Incline, the oldest funicular in America, made its debut on the side of Mount Washington on May 27, 1870 and the Duquesne Incline followed seven years later.
Before the emergence of the Monongahela Incline, Pittsburghers, who worked in the factories and the steel mills at the bottom of the mountain, predominately lived along the river.
Once the incline opened, Mount Washington began to fulfill its promise as a vibrant community with Pittsburghers moving to the top of the mountain and shops and restaurants filling the landscape.
The Monongahela Incline, which cost $50,000 to build, earned the title of a historic structure in 1970, as directed by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation.
Sit back in your car and enjoy the breathtaking views that will unfold as you travel up Mount Washington at a leisurely speed of six miles an hour. The incline spans 635 feet and fits 23 people in each car.
Learn more about the history of the Monongahela Incline, which carries an estimated 1,500 passengers up and down Mount Washington each week day and considerably more than that on the weekends when tourists arrive in the city.
Snap spectacular photographs of the skyline from all different angles. The observation deck also provides the ideal spot for memorable moments, like a marriage proposal.
Journey up and down the side of Mount Washington aboard the Monongahela Incline Monday through Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. and on Sundays and holidays from 7 a.m. to 12:45 a.m.
