Chapter 3

Today we are talking about Chapter 3 of the book  "Regional Landscapes of the United States and Canada" by Stephen Birdsall. 

Birdsall mentioned our city twice this chapter. The first mention is that Pittsburgh is located next to navigable water. Pittsburgh has three rivers in it (Hence, the Steelers' old stadium, Three Rivers Stadium). The Allegheny and the Monongahela rivers form the Ohio River (this is called the Three Rivers confluence.) Interesting facts about these rivers:
--The Allegheny River starts north-central Pennsylvania, goes into northwest New York and then back into  Pennsylvania. The river is 325 miles.
--The  Monongahela River goes from north central West Virginia through western Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh. It's 127 miles.
--The Ohio River starts in Pittsburgh and ends in Illinois. This river is 981 miles long!

The book also talks about how American English language is different in each region. In Pittsburgh, a sandwich is a Hoagie. Well if you want a Hoagie, you have to stop at Primanti Bros. They make the best Hoagies in town! They put fries in your hoagie.

Chapter 2

Welcome back to my blog. Today we are discussing Chapter two of the book "Regional Landscapes of the United States and Canada" by Stephen Birdsall. There will be a science lesson and a history lesson, but first let's recap the text book.

The book has a map of Major Coal Mining Fields (p. 36) and Pittsburgh is on it.  The type of coal? Bituminous."North America is favored with abundant mineral fuel resources," The author writes on page 35. "The two countries (US and Canada), however, have a large demand for fuels, which generates a constant search for new resources." 

First, let's discuss what "Bituminous" means. Bituminous has no real shape and is dark colored. It has the properties of cement, is made of high molecular weight hydrocarbons and can be dissolved in carbon disulfide.  (That's the end of the science lesson.)

Now that the science lesson is over, let's move to the history lesson. The Bituminous coal was first mined on Mount Washington. (If you read below, you'll see pictures of the Mount Washington incline -- if you ever go to Pittsburgh, you need to take the incline). By 1830, Pittsburgh used more than 400 tons of coal a day. The need for coal expanded as the West and Steel Production grew. In the past 200 years,  more than ten billion tons of coal has been mined in 21 counties in Pennsylvania. 

And it's a good thing Pittsburgh has coal, because coal is important for steel production.  (According to World Coal, "68% of total global steel production relies directly on inputs of coal.") You'll learn more about Pittsburgh's steel production below.

There are a lot of cool historical photos of Pittsburgh's coal mining industry. Click here to access them.

Chapter 1 Continued

My last post was a post about the Steel Industry in Pittsburgh. That post was covering Chapter 1 of the Assigned Textbook. Naturally, you'd think this is Chapter 2, but instead it's a special post (a supplement of Chapter 1, if you will.)

My Grandfather, Richard Pumilia, was in the steel business for 41 years.  Now if you haven't read my last post, Pittsburgh was known for its Steel Production. So, as you can imagine, my grandfather knows a lot about Pittsburgh and its many mills. Let's hear what he had to say about Pittsburgh's Steel Production ...

"The one big mill that dominated the landscape in the 50's was J&L's Southside works on both sides of the river right in town. It was a huge sprawling plant that was important for the economy but also contributed to the characterization of Pittsburgh as the 'Smoky City.'
By the early 60's they had done a good job of improving their pollution control throughout the entire area. By the mid 80's it was all gone, cleared and redeveloped. "-- Richard Pumilia, August 31st, 2012

So, there you have it, first hand knowledge about the history of Steel in Pennsylvania. 

Chapter 1

Steel, Steel, Steel!

Pittsburgh is known as the Steel City. 

Today's Blog Post is about Chapter 1 of the Book "Regional States of the United States and Canada" by Stephen Birdsall.  The book talks about Resource Abundance and Resource Dependence. The United States is the leading export for wheat, corn, rice and coal. 

Let's talk a little more about America's Steel town. The Steel Mills on the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers are no longer there. However, Pittsburgh still is the place for 25% of America's Steel Providers.

NPR did a story about the closing of the steel mills, but the report tells listeners that the Industry is still alive.

"It was like going to a funeral," One man said of the Steel Mills closing.

Check out their story here.

University of Pittsburgh has a huge collection of historical Pittsburgh -- including pictures of the old steel mill.

Here's a video of Steel being made right here in Pittsburgh! In this video, iron is turned into steel.  Up to 250 tons of Steel can be made in less than 45 minutes.

Interested in buying the book about the book we'll be discussing in this blog? Here it is on Amazon.

Introduction

I've attached some pictures of Pittsburgh. These photos are original. They were taken January of 2008 when I visited for the Pittsburgh Steelers' AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens. Note the snowy weather, the mountains and the Three Rivers confluence (The Allegheny and the Monongahela rivers form the Ohio River.) Pittsburgh is blessed with some interesting geography. In addition, Pittsburgh is known for its steel production, hence the Steelers' name. Bridges and buildings have been built all around the city as well as Heinz Field, the Steelers' Stadium, the Pittsburgh Penguins Arena and the Pittsburgh Pirates' Stadium. Pittsburgh also has an incline built on the mountain that overlooks the city.

A picture of a mountain with the incline on it.

Pittsburgh's skyline, a bridge and one of Pittsburgh's rivers.

 Just a snowy day in Pittsburgh!

Another shot of Pittsburgh's rivers and buildings.

 The Pittsburgh confluence.

A look down Pittsburgh's mountain, with the incline and river visible.

Welcome to my Blog!

Welcome to my blog. This blog is for my Geography class at Cal State Northridge. It features the beautiful city of Pittsburgh, PA. The city is known for its three rivers and weather. I am very passionate about Pittsburgh and hopefully after you check out my blog, you will be too!