[10]

Pittsburg, when Mr. Roosevelt took up his residence there in 1811, had but recently commenced the career which has now entitled it to the name of the Birmingham of America. The main body of the town was built on the right bank of the Monongahela, and extended from the point where the junction with the Allegany takes place, for perhaps three-quarters of a mile up the former

[11]

stream, to within a short distance of the mouth of a small creek, with low grounds on either side, that here debouched into the river. On the Allegany side, which was liable to overflow, there were but few buildings in 1811. Close by the creek and immediately under a lofty bluff, called Boyd's hill, was an iron fofindry, known as Beelen's foundry; and in immediate proximity to this was the keel of Mr. Roosevelt's vessel laid. The future antiquarian may, perhaps, find satisfaction in knowing that the Depot of the Pittsburg and Connellsville Railroad now occupies the ground I am speaking of.

Made possible by the Rivers Institute and the
History Department of Hanover College.

 

How to cite this article:  J.H.B. Latrobe, The First Steamboat Voyage on the Western Waters (Baltimore: Maryland Historical Society, 1871) p. 10-11, available at http://history.hanover.edu/texts/1811.