January 1


(1759) Ft. Pitt's 1st walls are completed with Col. Mercer in command.
(1804) The 1st bank west of the Atlantic Plain opens at Market & Ferry.
(1847) Mercy opens as the world's 1st "Mercy hospital".[1]
(1850) Pittsburgh, Ontario is founded as one of 47 worldwide honoring the city.
(1924) The Schenley Quad opens.
(1934) The Dukes win their 1st bowl game.
(1937) The Panthers win the Rose Bowl for a 7th national title as the Dukes play the Orange Bowl.
(1939) The Tartans play the Sugar Bowl.
(1977) The Panthers beat UGA to win their 9th national title in the Sugar Bowl.
(1982) The Panthers beat UGA 24–20 in the Sugar Bowl, their 3rd straight 11–1 finish.
(1994) PCNC is the city's 12th station & the world's 4th for local all-news.
(2002) Penguins star Alexei Kovalev scores a hat trick v the Rangers at the Igloo.
(2004) E-Moonlighter rebrands as Guru.com.[2]
(2008) The Penguins win the world's 1st Winter Classic on a Sidney Crosby goal.
(2011) Heinz Field hosts the 1st night Winter Classic, the 1st hockey game in world history broadcast via "CableCam" & at a NCAA stadium as Jackie Evancho sings the national anthem.
(2012) Hines Ward makes his 1,000th catch as Antonio Brown is the NFL's 1st with 1,000 yards in both receiving & returning in a Steelers win at Cleveland.


January 2

(1870) Judge Mellon resigns from the bench to run month old Mellon Bank at its 4 floor 514 Smithfield St. office with a statue of Ben Franklin above the doors.[3]
(1920) Over 200 city communists are arrested by Palmer agents.
(1921) The world's 1st religious broadcast airs on KDKA from Calvary Church.
(1922) The Presidents shutout Cal in the Rose Bowl for the national title while playing the 1st African-American QB & 1st freshman in bowl history.
(1928) The Panthers play their 1st of 4 Rose Bowls.
(1944) VP Truman visits Syria Mosque.
(1956) Panthers star Bobby Grier is the 1st African-American player in a southern bowl but loses to GT by a TD in the Sugar Bowl.
(1957) McKees Rocks receives $32.5 millionia in rebuilding funds.[4]
(1960) Bruno Sammartino wins his 1st match.
(1982) Penguins star Doug Shedden scores a hat trick v Hartford at the Igloo.
(1988) World press arrive after a Clairton tank cracks during cleaning in freezing weather & spills thousands of gallons of oil into the Monongahela.[5]
(2005) The Steelers win a record 15th as Ben Roethlisberger sets NFL rookie records for consecutive road, home & career starting wins.
(2007) Steelers great Dick Hoak retires after 45 seasons.[6]


January 3

(1861) President Buchanan countermands orders shipping 10 cannon to the south from Allegheny Arsenal after public outcries from the city.[7]
(1944) Gen. Marshall is 1st named Time Man of the Year.[8]
(1954) The PRR announces a $31.3 millionia Penn Station expansion.
(1983) Sheriff Coon announces he will refuse to execute foreclosures at the courthouse after hundreds of laid off steel workers protest.[9]
(1989) Bill Burns signs off his last KDKA broadcast after 44 years with "Goodbye, good luck and good news tomorrow" after anchoring the highest rated noon newscast in the nation for nearly 30 years.[10]
(2003) Alcoa opens its "green" operation headquarters on the Northshore.
(2008) Penguins star Evgeni Malkin scores his 1st hat trick v Toronto at the Igloo.


January 4

(1908) Beechview & Brookline are annexed.[11]
(1924) Rivers flood to a decade record of 30'3".[12]
(1945) T/5 Pinder receives the Medal of Honor.
(1949) J&L Steel announces $2.03 billionia for a new 6 furnace mill at the Southside Works.[13]
(1954) Mayor Lawrence is sworn in for an unprecedented 3rd term at City Hall.
(1955) Westinghouse fires 5 at E. Pittsburgh after McCarthy Hearings revelations.[14]
(1973) Pirates owner John Galbreath with Dave Giusti & Steve Blass arrive at the White House to meet President Nixon.[15]
(1982) The subway starts 40' deep excavations of over 92,000 yds.³ for 1,600' on Liberty & 1,200' on 6th downtown, the 1st time traffic is detoured on the project after completing the Grant/Ross tunnels.[16]
(1986) The Penguins tie the Russian Dynamo 3-3 at a SRO Igloo.[17]
(1988) The Panthers are ranked #2 for the 1st time.[18]
(1988) Sophie Masloff becomes the 1st female Council president.
(1989) The Penguins beat Red Army 4-2 at the Igloo.[19]
(1994) A blizzard hits with 2'6" overnight.
(2000) Mark Cuban buys the Mavericks.
(2010) UPMC surgeons perform the 1st U.S. total forearm & hand transplant.


January 5

(1885) Pitt Medical holds its 1st classes.
(1932) Father Cox marches 15,000 unemployed to protest in D.C.
(1948) Gen. Marshall is named Time Man of the Year for a 2nd time.[20]
(1969) UMW leader Jock Yablonski & family are discovered murdered.
(1970) Mayor Flaherty is sworn in at the courthouse as 200 protest the firing of Chief Slusser.[21]
(1983) Days after Sheriff Coon halts foreclosures on laid off steel workers it is upheld by Judge Papadakos at the courthouse.[22]
(1988) Penguins star Mario Lemieux scores a hat trick v LA at the Igloo.
(1997) The Steelers end 6 straight playoff berths in a divisional 3-28 loss in New England fog as Jerome Bettis hobbles injured & Rod Woodson plays his last game.
(1998) Bob O'Connor becomes Council president.
(2001) The Penguins retire Michel Briere's #21 at the Igloo.
(2003) In the 2nd Steelers playoff in 5 seasons Tommy Maddox rallies from 7-24 in the 4th v the Browns even as Kelly Holcomb throws for 429 yds, winning with 0:00:54 left as Heinz Field plays Renegade for the 1st time.[23]
(2006) Sec. Bodman visits the Energy Summit in Moon.[24]
(2007) After 15 seasons, 2 Super Bowls & 10 playoff berths, Steelers coach Bill Cowher retires.
(2009) The AP ranks the Panthers #1 for the 1st time, the 1st since pre-AP 1930.
(2011) Evgeni Malkin scores 0:00:07 in as Chris Kunitz gets a hat trick beating Tampa 8-1 at CONSOL. League leader in goals, assists & points, Sidney Crosby is concussed while on a 50-50 pace, ending his season.
(2013) The Panthers play the Compass Bowl, their 29th & the areas 33rd.


January 6

(1748) [25]
(1774) Dr. Connolly posts his appointment as Virginia commander & formation of a militia on Ft. Pitt's walls, conflicting with the Pennsylvanians.
(1805) Pentland challenges Bates to a duel.[26]
(1830) Rep. Baldwin is commissioned as the area's 1st U.S. Supreme Court justice.[27]
(1885) Cardwell v American Bridge is argued.
(1917) The Watch Tower National Convention opens.
(1925) Panthers open their 18th season at the new Pitt Pavilion v Geneva.
(1926) Marcus Loew announces the state's largest theater.[28]
(1963) The Steelers lose the Playoff Bowl (named for co-owner Bert Bell) to Detroit.
(1980) The Steelers win at Three Rivers for their record 4th AFC Title & Super Bowl.
(1982) The 1st Rand McNally Places Rated Almanac ranks the city 3rd most livable, a prelude to 2 #1 rankings.
(1985) In the last title game for a decade the Steelers allow Dan Marino 421 yds at Miami.
(1994) Big Wheel begins liquidation laying off over 110 at New Castle HQ.[29]
(2002) Both Hines Ward & Santonio Holmes break 1,000 yds as the Steelers beat Cleveland.[30]
(2003) #2 Panthers beat #6 ND in 1st nationally televised game from the Pete 72-55.[31]
(2007) Joe Hardy hosts Bette Midler, Robin Williams, Christina Aguilera, Gov. Rendell, Lord Palumbo & Sec. Ridge at Nemacolin.[32]
(2013) Penguin fans rejoice as the NHL lockout is resolved.[33]


January 7

(1777) Virginia appoints Sam Mason as area militia captain.
(1805) Stewart challenges Bates to a duel.[34]
(1850) Joe Barker is elected mayor on an Anti-Catholic ticket even as he is in the county jail for several more months.
(1906) U.S. Steel announces a $181 millionia expansion for the Homestead Works.
(1916) Frank Moran wins by KO v Jim Coffey at Madison Square Garden.[35]
(1946) Mayor Lawrence takes the oath of office for the 1st time at City Hall
(1970) Newly sworn in Mayor Flaherty officially freezes all hiring to cut costs.[36]
(1979) The Steelers tie the record for Super Bowl berths, beating Houston with the help of 5 picks at Three Rivers.
(1982) U.S. Steel buys Marathon Oil for $15.8 billionia in the 2nd largest corporate merger in history.[37]
(1983) William B. Brock, the highest ranking African American at VW Westmoreland commits suicide after a discrimination controversy.
(1990) In Chuck Noll's last playoff game, the Steelers lose by 1 to John Elway in Denver.
(2002) The Panthers are ranked for the 1st time in 9 seasons, the 1st of 32 consecutive ranked weeks.[38]
(2007) Nemacolin celebrates until 2 AM with Bette Midler, Robin Williams, Christina Aguilera, Gov. Rendell, Lord Palumbo & Sec. Ridge for Joe Hardy's 84th birthday.[39]
(2012) The Panthers play the Compass--their 28th bowl & the areas 32nd.


January 8

(1759) Col. Mercer reports to his superiors he has 280 at Ft. Pitt.
(1781) Ft. Pitt commander Gen. Hand is appointed Adj. Gen. of the Army, the 2nd of 4 Pittsburghers so honored.
(1886) Westinghouse is founded on Garrison Pl. in the Cultural District.
(1887) The West Penn. School for Blind Children is founded.
(1932) Father Cox & his army of unemployed arrive home after a D.C. protest march.
(1968) Pitt opens Hillman Library.
(1976) Traffic is jammed for miles as the area gets 7" of snow.
(1987) After 4 months of proxy fights Carl Icahn announces he has given up his hostile takeover of U.S. Steel.
(1990) Penguins star Mario Lemieux scores a hat trick v the Rangers at the Igloo.
(1997) Six escape from Western Pen by digging a 30' tunnel. All are recaptured.[40]
(2001) Penguins star Martin Straka scores his 4th hat trick at Washington.
(2006) Steelers star Kimo von Oelhoffen injures QB Carson Palmer on a clean hit in a wildcard win, leading to the NFL's "Kimo Rule".
(2007) VP Cheney arrives at Arnold Palmer Airport to visit Ligonier Twp..[41]
(2012) The Steelers at Denver go into the 1st NFL non-sudden death OT in history, while Tim Tebow scores the 3:16 Game to win.


January 9

(1759) Gen. Forbes inspects completed barracks 1,000' from the remains of Ft. Duquesne.
(1762) Ft. Pitt saves only 13 powder barrels as a flood crests at 39.2'.
(1889) A tornado hits downtown.[42]
(1913) The rivers crest at 31' damaging downtown businesses.
(1922) After becoming the 1st city with a licensed station (KDKA), Pittsburgh is the 1st with 2 as KQV goes on the air.[43]
(1955) Pitt dedicates the Croghan-Schenley Rooms.
(1984) Skyscraper EQT Plaza is announced.
(1989) "The three most beautiful cities in the world are Paris; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Pittsburgh. If Pittsburgh were situated somewhere in the heart of Europe, tourists would eagerly journey hundreds of miles out of their way to visit it. Its setting is spectacular . . ." Brendan Gill writes in The New Yorker.[44]
(2000) Pitt dedicates the Indian Nationality room at the Cathedral of Learning.
(2005) On the ice logged Ohio near Industry the Elizabeth M loses 4 crew to the depths as it pursues a breakaway barge.


January 10

(1842) Crawford County is the 1st in the U.S. to convene a committee to review the delegate system in elections--the 1st primary elections in history.[45]
(1859) The Historical Society is founded.
(1897) A Bluff rockslide near Locust St. killing a 6 year old boy & injuring 4.[46]
(1946) The Commonwealth requests that the city & county contribute $77.5 millionia of the total $400 millionia for the construction of I-376 from downtown to the Turnpike.
(1950) In what was supposed to be a 10th St. bike riding performance by "Stanley the Chimp", he instead escapes up a pole as police give chase downtown for hours.[47]
(1956) The Gardens hosts the AHL ASG.
(1962) A PANG DC-3 crashes minutes after takeoff from Pittsburgh International killing 5 airmen.[48]
(1965) The Echo I satellite passes over at 4:35 AM.[49]
(1972) Mayor Flaherty, county commissioners & several suburban mayors file a lawsuit to block Skybus.
(1985) The Carnegie Library's downtown branch begins free 3 week courses on "information processing".[50]
(1988) Penguins star Mario Lemieux scores a hat trick in Detroit.
(1989) At the Igloo v the Isles Penguins star Mario Lemieux scores a hat trick.
(1998) Penguins star Stu Barnes scores a hat trick v the Devils at the Igloo.
(2003) Dr. Bahnson dies at 82.[51]
(2006) The Zoo purchases acres of Somerset land for the care & breeding of large animals.


January 11

(1820) The Gazette reports that area employment declined by over 60% & the manufacturing output by over $27.3 millionia over 5 years from the Panic of 1819.[52]
(1864) Morgan's Raid Confederates complain that Western Pen water pipes & steam heaters froze over & are leaving the cells in sub-freezing temperatures.[53]
(1906) The Panthers play their 1st basketball game, a loss to Wooster.
(1920) Judges wear gowns at the courthouse for the 1st time.[54]
(1927) Albert Gallatin is honored in marble at Treasury.
(1935) The Duquesne Gardens hosts Joe Louis v Hans Birkie for a heavyweight bout.[55]
(1945) Will Shomo is awarded the Medal of Honor.
(1946) Heinz Chapel holds its 1st wedding ceremony.
(1949) The city's 1st TV station, KDKA (then WDTV), signs on at the Syria Mosque as the 1st "networked" station in the world with "Uncle Ed" Shaughnessy as the 1st networked star.[56]
(1950) Downtown property owner lawsuits are dismissed by the State Supreme Court, clearing the way for Gateway Center.
(1951) D.A. Rahauser refuses to fire an Assistant DA over accusations of her being a communist.[57]
(1963) Pitt announces plans for a NASA research center.
(1979) The Sewickley Bridge is closed for the 2nd time in 2 years for safety.
(1983) Steelers star Lynn Swann announces his retirement.[58]
(1994) At the Igloo v Boston Penguins star Kevin Stevens scores his 10th hat trick.
(1995) Penguins fans rejoice as the NHL lockout ends.
(2000) Tom Foerster dies at 72.
(2003) The Steelers lose after Titans K Joe Nedney fakes being hit on a botched last sec. FG, making the 2nd attempt. The NFL issues an apology after tape shows no Steeler ever made contact.
(2009) CIA Dir. Hayden & family motorcade to Heinz Field for a Steelers playoff game.[59]


January 12


(1831) The Pittsburgh Times begins daily publication.
(1948) The Center for the Arts holds its 1st meeting.
(1955) Mayor Lawrence dedicates the State Office Building.[60]
(1968) The Stadium Authority approves final plans for construction of Three Rivers on the northshore.
(1969) Natives Joe Namath, Johnny Unitas & Babe Parilli duel in Super Bowl III with Chuck Noll as coordinator. Steeler draftee Emerson Boozer duels native Tom Matte & former Steeler Jimmy Orr.
(1975) The Steelers win their 1st Super Bowl, as Franco Harris sets a new rushing record & the Steel Curtain scores the 1st Super Bowl safety, remaining the only Super Bowl defensive shutout & with the fewest yards given (119 total) all in Tulane Stadium's last pro game.
(1988) Pirates star Willie Stargell is elected to the hall of fame.
(1993) Penguins captain Mario Lemieux announces he has Hodgkin's lymphoma.


January 13

(1864) Stephen Foster dies destitute.
(1873) With $14.6 millionia & Andrew Carnegie with ⅓rd interest, the future U.S. Steel is founded to produce steel rails at Braddock.
(1920) The PRR announces a $1.34 billionia area improvement plan.
(1929) U.S. Steel announces a $271 millionia expansion plan for area mills.
(1932) The 1st City Game is played, a 4 basket Dukes win at Pitt Pavilion.
(1945) Margaret Deland dies at 87.
(1957) Ernie Stautner is the 1st Steeler to win Pro Bowl MVP.
(1963) Big Daddy Lipscomb wins the Steelers 2nd Pro Bowl MVP.
(1967) Enacted 3 months prior by Congress, the 1st Stephen Foster Memorial Day is observed.
(1984) Westinghouse announces it will close its century old E. Pittsburgh switchgear factory, laying off 950 by years end.[61]
(1996) Council approves the Pittsburgh Associates $145 millionia sale of the Pirates to Kevin McClatchy.
(1998) Pitt researchers receive the International Olympic Prize for groundbreaking treatment of knee injuries.
(2012) "Paul Allen" has his address changed to Pittsburgh.[62]


January 14

(1805) The Gazette reports the Stewart-Bates duel.[63]
(1846)[64]
(1937) U.S. Steel dedicates $167 millionia in Homestead Works upgrades with 500 VIP guests.
(1972) In what would be voted as "Match of the Year", Bruno Sammartino wins the 3rd annual Olympic Battle Royal.
(1973) A Roberto Clemente tribute is aired during a Super Bowl VII commercial break. [65]
(1981) Penguins star Rick Kehoe scores a hat trick v St. Louis at the Igloo.
(1986) With the 2nd overall pick the Pirates choose Moises Alou.
(1990) Council enacts recycling.
(1996) After 16 seasons without a Super Bowl (while coming close in AFC title games in 1985 & 1995), the Steelers beat the Colts on a last second end-zone "immaculate deflection" of a Hail Mary pass at Three Rivers.
(1997) USSteel.com goes live.
(2005) CMU makes world news with their research into Autism cures.[66]
(2008) Penguins star Evgeni Malkin scores a hat trick v the Rangers at the Igloo.
(2011) Pat Donahoe is confirmed as Postmaster General.


January 15

(1860) A Monongahela ice break surges over 50 craft damages tons of cargo, docks & levees.[67]
(1867) John Geary becomes Governor.
(1920) Henry Ford visits to deliver $201 millionia in steel orders.
(1921) KDKA nationally broadcasts Herbert Hoover's visit to the Duquesne Club.
(1937) U.S. Steel announces $620 millionia in Braddock & Clairton expansion.
(1937) The Gardens hosts Vines v. Perry championship tennis.[68]
(1948) Sec. Marshall visits the William Penn for a nationally aired speech.[69]
(1969) The Black Action Society occupies the Cathedral of Learning's 8th floor.
(1972) Bill Benswanger dies at 79.
(1974) The undefeated Panthers are ranked for the 1st time in 15 seasons, at #17. The first of 11 straight weeks of being ranked, 3 at the top 10.[1]
(1989) A jam-packed Fitzgerald Field House stood the entire game as Brian Shorter's 37 points and 12 rebounds led Pitt to a 99-91 win against second ranked Oklahoma at Fitzgerald Field House. Rod Brookin scored 24 points in the win.[70]
(1995) The 1st title game in a decade has the largest Three Rivers football crowd (61,545) in history as the Steelers lose to San Diego.
(1998) Rev. Jackson & President Clinton address the nation using the Steelers playoff loss to Denver as a metaphor for what race relations can be.[71]
(2005) Ben Roethlisberger records a rookie NFL record 15th straight win to start a career v the Jets at Heinz Field.
(2006) Ben Roethlisberger's game saving "Immaculate Redemption" prevents a pick-6 after a last minute Jerome Bettis fumbled TD attempt followed by a missed Colts game ending chip-shot FG has the Steelers beat the favored Colts on their way to Super Bowl XL.
(2009) DCI Hayden addresses world press at CIA HQ for his farewell: "Coming back from Pittsburgh on the Turnpike after a recent sporting event, I jotted down a list of things to keep an eye on."[72]
(2010) UPMC Braddock closes for new patients.


January 16

(1803) The city built Dean sets down the Ohio for Liverpool, delivering cotton picked up in Kentucky & Mississippi.[73]
(1931) Charities warn that with their dwindling Depression era funds nearly 48,000 will "begin starving".[74]
(1959) Council president Tom Gallagher is sworn in as mayor at City Hall as Mayor Lawrence resigns to prepare his governorship.
(1979) Dick Thornburgh becomes Governor.
(1980) A Dallas departed Braniff 727 suddenly aborts its Pittsburgh International landing & goes nose-high after pilots realize the runway already has traffic on it.[75]
(1993) A three-point bomb by freshman Garrick Thomas broke a 73-73 tie with four seconds remaining, lifting the Panthers to an upset win over No. 7 Seton Hall 76-73. Thomas finished with 16 points while teammate Chris McNeal scored 19 points and 11 rebounds.[76]
(1997) After 50 years of a Burns anchoring KDKA, Patti Burns signs off with an emotional: "for allowing me to work with my father, to come into your home each & every day with good & bad news for our area . . . It has been a great honor and a great privilege."
(1998) PNC reports annual earnings over $1 billion for the 1st time ($1.4 billion today).
(2000) The NHL suspends Penguins coach Herb Brooks for confronting a Denver broadcaster after a game.[77]
(2000) The U.S. Courthouse begins $69.8 millionia in renovations.


January 17

(1899) Rep. Stone becomes governor.
(1911) Pirates great John Tener becomes governor.
(1924) Panther fans hurl pennies on the floor after Doc Carlson's "figure 8" defense produces a 3-2 score at halftime v WVU.[78]
(1938) Time hails the new Fallingwater as Frank Lloyd Wright's "most beautiful job".
(1958) I-376 completes the Grant Street interchange linking downtown to the Turnpike after 12 years of construction.
(1967) Ray Shafer becomes governor.
(1972) The new police academy opens in North Park with James Slusser as director.[79]
(1986) The NSB approves funding for the CMU & Pitt created PSC as its new .84 petaflops $38.9 millionia CRAY X-MP/48 goes online.[80]
(1991) Penguins star John Cullen scores a hat trick in Toronto.
(1995) Tom Ridge becomes governor.
(2002) Penguins star Aleksey Morozov scores a hat trick in Calgary.
(2004) The symphony is the 1st in U.S. history to play for the Pope at the Vatican.


January 18


(1798) The 1st glass is blown west of the Atlantic Plain at New Geneva.
(1830) Rep. Baldwin is sworn in as the area's 1st on the U.S. Supreme Court.[81]
(1911) USS Pittsburgh hosts the world's 1st air landing on a flight deck.
(1923) Jock Sutherland becomes Panthers coach.
(1927) Sen. Fisher becomes governor.
(1947) The Pirates acquire Hank Greenburg.
(1953) More than 10,000 riot at Western Pen for reforms while taking 5 guards hostage.[82]
(1954) The Mellons donate $130 millionia to Pitt's Medical School/Center.
(1971) Bruno Sammartino loses his title as the crowd is so stunned into silence that he thinks his hearing had been damaged after Nikita Koloff's pin. Fearful of a riot Koloff leaves the ring without the belt presentation as much of the crowd cries.
(1976) Penguins star Stan Gilbertson scores a hat trick v the Rangers at the Igloo.
(1976) The Steelers win Super Bowl X, their NFL leading 2nd as MVP Lynn Swann sets the all time yardage record.
(1983) Penguins star Mike Bullard scores a hat trick v Winnipeg at the Igloo.
(1992) The Penguins send a record 5 starters & the Eastern Coach to the NHL ASG as Jaromir Jagr becomes the youngest ever to start, a record eclipsed 15 seasons later by Sidney Crosby.[83]
(1993) The Press ceases operations as the 8 month strike is resolved.[84]
(1995) Sherriff Coon is placed under electronic monitoring.[85]
(2006) The 1st segment of WQED produced The War that Made America airs nationwide on PBS.[86]
(2009) A security team motorcades DCI Hayden & family to Heinz Field for a Steelers playoff game.[87]
(2011) Tom Corbett becomes governor.


January 19

(1885) Cardwell v American Bridge is decided.
(1911) The Magee Hospital for Women, founded by Chris Magee, opens.[88]
(1935) Andrew Mellon announces that in addition to fully funding its construction, he will donate his art collection to the National Gallery & bequeath both to the people.
(1943) Ed Martin becomes governor.
(1953) World news reports West Pen convicts are in control after a riot the previous night as Gov. Fine in D.C. for the inaugural commits to coming to the city if needed.[89]
(1964) The Hilton hosts the hall of fame meeting with Art Rooney, Pete Rozelle, Dick McCann, Gov. Lawrence, Justice White, George Halas & Vince Lombardi all visiting.[90]
(1970) CMU is 1 of 10 leading universities to share a $6.34 millionia grant for minority management studies.[91]
(1971) Ernest Kline becomes Lt. Governor.
(1984) All 45 area Krogers close as 2,845 strike.[92]
(1994) The lowest temperature in city history is recorded, -22°.[93]
(2001) Mellon opens its 750,000²' "green" 14 floor Client Service Center for 3,000 employees.[94]
(2004) Jamie Dixon carries his 3rd best coaches career starting record at 18-0 to a nationally televised game at UConn, losing by a single basket and ending his streak.[95]
(2010) At the Isles Penguins star Evgeni Malkin scores his 5th hat trick.[96]
(2013) The Penguins resume play after the NHL lockout is resolved.


January 20


(1862) Ed Stanton becomes Sec. of War.
(1934) The Panthers snap Notre Dame's 22 game win streak with a 39-34 win at the Pavilion.[97]
(1938) Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece Fallingwater--completed only months before--holds a public open house.
(1959) Mayor Lawrence becomes governor.
(1977) Two women die as several are injured in an accidental gas explosion at Langley Hall.
(1977) Dick Thornburgh becomes acting USAG.
(1980) The Steelers become the 1st to win 4 Super Bowls as Chuck Noll becomes the 1st & only coach to win as many as 4.
(1982) At the Igloo v Boston Penguins star Rick Kehoe scores a hat trick.
(1988) Penguins star Paul Coffey scores a hat trick in Chicago.
(1989) In a loss at Winnipeg Penguins star Mario Lemieux becomes the NHL's 4th to score 50 in 50.
(1995) The Penguins resume play after the NHL lockout.
(2001) The Panthers upset undefeated #9 Georgetown 70-66 in D.C.[98]
(2001) Paul O'Neil is confirmed as Treasury Sec.
(2007) Penguins star Mark Recchi scores a hat trick v Toronto at the Igloo.
(2010) The Paramount Film Exchange is granted historic status.


January 21


(1767) Gov. Penn writes in frustration to the Earl of Shelbourne "I am at a loss to know what more can be done by the civil power" over pioneers west of the mountains.(L)
(1947) Gen. Marshall becomes Sec. of State as James Duff becomes governor.
(1949) Panther fans pelt the court with pennies after Doc Carlson's "figure 8" & PSU's "zone" result in a 5-0 halftime score.[99]
(1954) Powered by the world’s 1st atomic engine built by Westinghouse the U.S.S. Nautilus is launched after a First Lady christening.[100]
(1957) Jackie Robinson visits City Hall as the guest of Mayor Lawrence.[101]
(1974) DA Duggan is charged with concealing campaign contributions, pressuring employees into donating & falsifying election records. Less than a month later he is found dead in his Ligonier country home.[102]
(1979) The Steelers become the 1st to win 3 Super Bowls with MVP QB Terry Bradshaw setting the all time SB record for passing yards & tying the record for longest pass, the 1st to win both season & game MVPs.
(1980) Ohio v Kentucky is decided.[103]
(1982) Tasso Katselas is awarded the $7.41 millioniadesign contract for the new Pittsburgh International terminal.[104]
(1990) The Penguins host their 1st NHL ASG at the Igloo. The 1st to feature the annual NHL Skills Competition & the 1st NHL game on U.S.-wide broadcast in a decade.
(1992) Bill Cowher is introduced as Steelers coach.
(1997) Patrick Lalime sets the NHL mark for wins to start a career at 16 with a Penguins 4-2 win v Calgary.
(1998) Gov. Ridge announces $76.7 millionia for the Pete.[105]
(2002) The Steelers hand the Ravens the worse defending-Super-Bowl-champ-loss since 1983 in the AFC Divisional Round.[106]
(2003) Catherine Knoll becomes Lt. Governor.
(2009) Highmark is officially rebuffed from buying Philadelphia's Blue Cross by the state due to monopoly fears.


January 22

(1777) Arthur St. Clair is appointed Adj. Gen. of the U.S. Army, the 1st of 4 from the area to receive the honor.
(1975) Penguins star Syl Apps is named MVP of the NHL ASG after scoring 2 goals.
(1980) Bruno Sammartino's former student Larry Zbyszko violently turns against him during a scientific wrestling exhibition on WWF's Championship Wrestling TV show. Shocked & hurt by the betrayal Bruno vows to make "Judas" Zbyszko pay dearly later in the year at Shea Stadium in what is considered the biggest feud in the northeast.
(1982) The Panthers get their first Big East win with a victory over Seton Hall.[107]
(1986) Penguins star Mike Bullard scores a hat trick in Edmonton.
(2007) The Rooney family introduce Mike Tomlin as head coach, only the 3rd coach in the Steelers last 38 seasons.
(2009) Nemacolin Resort receives 5 star status, the only one in Pennsylvania & between the east coast & Chicago.[108]
(2009) Highmark withdraws its merger of Independence Blue Cross.
(2012) Joe Paterno dies at 85.[109]


January 23

(1775)[110]
(1899) The Duquesne Gardens opens hosting a public skate.[111]
(1904) The rivers rise to 32'.
(1934) The courthouse mourns as 2 judges pass away, Judge Evans--and moments later his replacement Judge Snee while penning Evans' eulogy.[112]
(1943) Pitt opens the French Nationality Room at the Cathedral of Learning.
(1952) PM Drees is the 10th foreign leader to visit.
(1960) An Eastern Super Constellation crash lands with faulty landing gear at Pittsburgh International.[113]
(1963) U.S. Steel starts the world's largest blast furnace at Duquesne--the 28' hearth, 850,000 tons/year producing Dorothy 6--at a cost of $230 millionia.
(1987) Penguins star Mario Lemieux scores a hat trick in Vancouver.
(1988) World media report on the doctors at the UPMC for their innovative transplant surgery on 9 year old Tabatha Foster after today's Presidential address by Ronald Reagan commending the city's hospital & urging American's to donate to Tabatha's recovery.[114]
(1997) A standing ovation occurs at the Igloo in honor of Penguins rookie goalie Patrick Lalime, whose 1st 16 games unbeaten streak stands as a new NHL record, after failing at his 17th try in an overtime loss.
(1999) The Bost Building, the epicenter of the Homestead Strike is declared a national landmark and announces $5.7 millionia in renovations.
(2004) Freemarkets is bought by Adobe Systems for $623 millionia.[115]
(2005) The Steelers lose in the AFC Championship Game at Heinz Field 28-41 to the Patriots, as Myron Cope announces his last game.
(2013) Point Park announces $45 million, 3 theater, downtown playhouse.[116]


January 24

(1743) Captain Thomas McKee reports back to the Governor on the state of the forks.[117]
(1774) Dr. Connelly is arrested by Pennsylvanians for claiming the forks for Virginia & taken for trial at Hannastown.
(1805) Having homesteaded 11 years prior, William Powell, Jr. increases his tract east of the city to 509 acres.[118]
(1899) The Keystones open the Duquesne Gardens.
(1963) Muhammed Ali KOs Charley Powell at the Civic Arena.
(1963) Gus Brickner at Dunlevy sets a Guinness World Record by swimming across the -18° Monongahela.[119]
(1984) Alcoa announces $46.7 millionia to renovate 70 year old neighbor William Penn.
(2001) At the Igloo v Montreal Penguins star Mario Lemieux scores his 40th hat trick (a natural hat trick).
(2003) Gov. Ridge is appointed the 1st Homeland Security Secretary.
(2006) Penguins star Mario Lemieux retires.[120]
(2007) Penguins star Sidney Crosby becomes the youngest All Star starter, eclipsing Jaromir Jagr's 1992 mark by 6 months & receives the 2nd most votes in history.[121]
(2012) The Westmoreland Museum of American Art receives it's largest donation, $8.27 millionia from the R.K. Mellon Foundation.[122]


January 25

(1755) Dr. Connolly issues proclamation at Fort Pitt declaring the Forks for Virginia.
(1862) The 1st USS Pittsburgh is commissioned for Civil War service.
(1890) Nellie Bly visits only miles away from completing her 73 day journey.[123]
(1912) Cyrus Woods is appointed Ambassador to Portugal.[124]
(1917) MSA is founded.[125]
(1948) Ettore Marsolo receives the Navy Cross for the Battle of Tarawa.
(1954) With only 1 vote against, Council passes its 1st income tax.
(1988) In one of basketball's greatest plays the #11 Panthers has Sean Miller assist Jerome Lane as he shatters the Fitzgerald Field House backboard with a win over Providence.
(2002) The Port Authority becomes among the 1st 8 U.S. transit agencies to pilot e-commerce.[126]
(2003) At the Igloo v Chicago Penguins star Alexei Kovalev scores his 8th hat trick.
(2003) The Dukes win by forfeit v St. Bonaventure at the Palumbo Center after the Bonnies field an ineligible player.[127]
(2006) The final segment of WQED produced The War that Made America airs nationwide on PBS.[128]
(2009) The Franco Harris statue is unveiled at the Heinz History Center.[129]


January 26

(1793) The city has its 1st public execution as Thomas Dunning is hanged on Boyd's Hill for the murder of Ms. Worthington.[130]
(1803) The 1st theater production entertains the city.
(1920) Pitt breaks ground for Eberly Hall.
(1926) Marcus Loew announces he will construct Pennsylvania's largest theater in the cultural district, with 4,000 seats and at a cost of $46.4 millionia.
(1935) A TWA mail plane crashes in a slag mound, 10 minutes after takeoff from Allegheny Airport en route to Columbus.[131]
(1978) The Great Blizzard hits the region.
(1979) Pirates star Dave Parker accepts a $5 million for 5 years contract--the world's 1st million dollar/year sports contract($17.8 million today). Ten months later he wins the World Series.[132]
(1984) The Steelers sue the Stadium Authority for signing a lease with the USFL's Maulers to play at Three Rivers.
(1985) In Mario Lemieux's rookie season, Penguins fans witness 50-in-50 as Wayne Gretzky accomplishes it for his 3rd & last time at the Igloo.
(1993) Penguins star Kevin Stevens scores a hat trick v Washington as Larry Murphy becomes only the 9th defenseman in history to score his 800th career point.[133]
(1997) Mario Lemieux ties a NHL record, scoring 4 goals in 1 period, a 5-2 win at Montreal, his 39th career hat trick.
(2007) Mark Recchi scores his 500th goal, tying the game the Penguins will win in OT v Dallas.
(2011) Pittsburgh Tower clears a Republic flight for departure on the closed runway 10C five hours after maintenance started, before ordering an abort.[134]


January 27

(1879) The PLE&R opens track to Youngstown.
(1891) 107 miners die at Frick's Mammoth Mine near Scottdale.[135]
(1927) Dispatch correspondent & native Nellie Bly dies at 57.
(1931) Gulf Oil's refinery on Neville Island opens, part of a $835 millionia area pipeline and processing system.
(1946) The Mellons donate 13 acres & funds for Mellon Park.
(1948) World press report a near-riot after a Dukes game at the Gardens.[136]
(1955) Johnny Unitas is drafted by the Steelers.
(1969) The Rooneys name Chuck Noll as Steelers coach after Joe Paterno declines.
(1970) The Steelers draft Terry Bradshaw 1st overall & Mel Blount.
(1983) Kennywood completes the $4.33 millionia purchase of 105 year old Idlewild.[137]
(1985) Already holding the record for Super Bowl wins, Steelers coach Chuck Noll sets the record for most Pro Bowl victories with 3.
(1986) The Dukes beat Rutgers 74-59 at the Palumbo Center for their 1,000th regular season win.
(1990) Sheriff Coon is inducted into the Pennsylvania Police Hall of Fame.
(1996) At the Igloo v Philadelphia Penguins star Mario Lemieux scores his 36th hat trick.
(1999) Albert Miller, discoverer of the oldest settlement in the Americas, dies.
(2006) Pittsburgh International unveils the Franco Harris statue of the Immaculate Reception.[138]
(2008) A Seven Springs Resort fire kills 2.[139]
(2012) The Serbian government announces it will purchase U.S. Steel's $43.3 millionia 10 year old plant there.[140]


January 28

(1778) Cpt. Mason arrives at the Catfish Camp war council.
(1797) Shawnee chief Red Pole is buried in Trinity Churchyard.
(1820) The Panic of 1819 continues as the Gazette opines: "A number of individuals have...the idea of an Association [that] might serve to combine the relief with the useful employment of the poor"[141]
(1891) Mammoth Mine's 107 victims are buried in Scottdale as 5,000 attend.[142]
(1908) The 1st trade in hockey history occurs between the Pirates & Bankers in the WPHL.
(1922) A plan to allow a Liberty Tunnel trolley lane is rejected in favor of 2 lanes for "slow-moving horse drawn vehicles".[143]
(1933) The elaborate speakeasy "Monaca Club" is raided by the Oakland police precinct across Forbes resulting in Sen. Coyne's brother being indicted for ownership.[144]
(1944) Leo Bernstien's Jeremiah premiers at the Syria Mosque.[145][146]
(1967) Dir. George Kelly answers charges that his Parks Dept. is trapping animals at Round Hill Park to sell as national press & late night shows mock his: "No thats all wrong it's the rabbits that are driving us goofy".
(1969) The Steelers draft Mean Joe Greene 4th overall.
(1971) The Steelers draft Jack Ham.
(1981) PPG Place has its groundbreaking.
(1986) CMU alumnus Judith Resnick dies on the Challenger explosion.
(1989) Penguins star Rob Brown scores a hat trick v Detroit at the Igloo.
(1996) Rod Woodson becomes the 1st NFL player to return the same season of an ACL injury as the Steelers lose Super Bowl XXX on O'Donnell's 2 interceptions to the 1st CB ever chosen Super Bowl MVP.
(2012) The 1st roof sections are collapsed on 51 year old Civic Arena.[147]


January 29

(1902) The Biddle Brothers break out of jail with the help of Kate Soffel. [148]
(1974) The Steelers conduct the world's best sports draft, choosing 4 future hall of famers over the 1st 5 rounds--with no team yet even achieving 3. Jack Lambert, Franco Harris, Lynn Swann & John Stallworth are all inducted by 2002.
(1981) The decade long corporate feud & intrigues between Westinghouse Electric and Gulf Oil with accusations of cornering the nuclear energy markets is resolved with a $70.5 millionia to Westinghouse at the Federal Courthouse. The battle proves to fatally wound both Fortune 100 corporations, and within a generation both are swallowed by conglomerates (Chevron-Texaco & CBS/Siemens respectively) & removed from the city.
(1984) Busch Gardens holds open auditions at Duquesne University.[149]
(2007) Mark Madden drives himself to the hospital after suffering a heart attack after a charity hockey game.


January 30

(1841) President-elect Harrison visits.
(1877) Dan O'Neill dies at 47.
(1902) The Biddle Brothers stop in Ross' Weller Inn as Ed interrupts a church party by having to take his gun out to fit sandwiches in his satchel for Mrs. Soffel.[150]
(1959) The Hindemith symphony Pittsburgh premiers.[151]
(1973) Penguins star Greg Polis is ASG MVP after scoring twice.
(1977) President Carter visits by Marine One at Allegheny Airport & motorcades to Westinghouse in E. Pittsburgh with Mayor Flaherty.[152] The 2nd straight president to choose the city as his 1st in-office visit.
(1980) The Penguins change to black & gold, heirs to the 1st black & gold team, 1926's NHL Pirates.
(1980) U.S. Steel announces layoffs after a $938 millionia quarterly loss.
(1983) The last Ft. Pitt commuter pulls into Penn Station.
(1990) Penguins star Tony Tanti scores a hat trick v Philadelphia at the Igloo.
(1999) The largest ever Mellon Arena crowd (18,150) attends a WWF event.[153]
(2011) CMU dorms watch in amazement as the campus invented "Creep" Youtube videos are emulated by SNL. Rolling Stone calls it a "mini-controversy" as students enjoy the flattery.[154]


January 31

(1899) The West End Carnegie Library opens.
(1902) The Biddle Boys & Mrs. Soffel are shot in Butler County.[155]
(1907) Allegheny Energy is founded.[156]
(1956) A B-25 Bomber from Nellis declares an emergency to Pittsburgh Air Base & ditches in the Monongahela. It is never recovered with contrary reports on how many crew survived spurring rumors of a secret military mission from UFOs to Howard Hughes.
(1958) Joe Hardy founds 84 Lumber.[157]
(1959) The Pirates in a brilliant hot stove move get Harvey Haddix, Don Hoak & Smoky Burgess in a Reds trade.
(1968) At St. Louis George Konik scores the Penguins 1st penalty shot.[158]
(1969) The Panthers play native Pete Maravich's Tigers holding the Pistol well below his 44 points avg. during a season Pitt only wins 4 games.[159]
(1983) PennDot holds a 4 day public meeting at the Convention Center to outline the $963 millionia I-279 and I-579 projects.[160]
(1992) The Pirates break MLB records signing Barry Bonds to a 1 year $8.02 millionia contract.
(1992) Pipers great Connie Hawkins is inducted into the hall of fame.[161]
(1997) MARC USA reincorporates at Station Square.[162]
(2002) Mt. Pleasant Glassworks, the 1st U.S. hand-blown crystal glass factory is closed by Lenox.
(2010) UPMC Braddock closes.
(2013) U.S. Steel commissions a new $500 milion upgrade to its 1300 employee strong Clairton Workss, the nations largest coke factory.[163]


[edit]
February
February 1


(1902) The Biddle Brothers die from their wounds in Butler as Mrs. Soffel recovers.[164]
(1915) U.S. Steel announces it will hire 8,000 due to war demand.
(1929) The 37 floor Grant Building topped by a Morse Code P-I-T-T-S-B-U-R-G-H beacon has its grand opening.
(1932) Police respond as 5 men rob a speakeasy/gambling hall at 5th & Pride.[165]
(1963) Gov. Lawrence is sworn in as what is today the OFHEO director by President Kennedy.
(1969) WPGH begins broadcasting again after going dark for 15 years due to lack of ad revenue.[166]
(1972) The Steelers draft their 5th hall of famer in 4 years, Franco Harris with the 13th overall pick.
(1975) PATrain begins service.
(1983) The Panthers rally to beat Chris Mullins #5 St. John's 72-71 as both Clyde Vaughn & Andre Williams both get 24 pts.[167]
(1998) The area is split from area code 412 as suburban counties are assigned 724.
(2005) The Carnegie Library opens its Smithfield St. branch.[168]
(2006) Koppers goes public.[169]
(2007) Point Park's U-View TV goes on the air.
(2009) The Steelers become the 1st team to win 6 Super Bowls with the help of the longest interception return in Super Bowl history by James Harrison.
(2010) At Buffalo Penguins star Sidney Crosby scores his 5th hat trick.
(2011) After 6 months as a UPMC affiliate Erie's Hamot Medical Center is merged.


February 2

(1774) After convincing the Westmoreland sheriff that he will return to a Hannastown court in April, Virginia magistrate Dr. Connolly barricades his militia in Ft. Pitt daring Pennsylvania to stop him.
(1787) Gen. St. Clair is elected President.
(1886) Punxsutawney holds the world's 1st Groundhog Day.
(1901) The 3 time champ A's become the 1st pro hockey team, being paid $13,968ia for their Trophy Cup win.
(1949) Alcoa announces the world's 1st all-aluminum-exterior skyscraper.
(1963) The Panthers lose the Backyard Brawl even after Bobby Roman makes a buzzer-beating shot for what fans rushing the court think is a 69–68 win, a time keeper at the Field House having stopped the clock at 1 sec. after seeing Pitt call time. The team loses & 11 days & 2 ejections later will beat WVU in Morgantown by the same score.[170]
(1967) The ABA awards the Pipers franchise.[171]
(1972) Julie Nixon Eisenhower visits city schools to speak on her father's policies, making world news on how busing creates "social chaos".
(1977) A Larry Harris buzzer beater helps the Panthers upset Gale Catlett's #12 ranked Cincinnati at Fitzgerald.[172]
(1979) 7,000 celebrate in Market Sq. on the return of the Steelers 3rd Super Bowl.[173]
(1981) Anne X. Alpern dies.[174]
(1989) The Penguins win at Philadelphia for the 1st time in 15 seasons.
(1990) Penguins star Mario Lemieux scores a hat trick v Edmonton at the Igloo.
(1991) Penguins star Jaromir Jagr scores a hat trick v Boston at the Igloo.
(1996) Gene Kelly dies at 83.
(1998) The Zoo celebrates its centennial with a $43.4 millionia expansion.
(2004) Months after becoming the world's 1st free wi-fi airport, Pittsburgh International is the world's 1st to offer "fare alert emails/texts".
(2007) The 1st U.S. bank failure in 5 years is Lawrenceville's MetSavings.[175][176]
(2010) NexTier merges with F&M Bank.
(2013) The Panthers upset #6 Syracuse 65-55 at the Pete.[177]


February 3

(1768) After years of attempting to enforce pioneers not to cross the mountains, the assembly passes an Act promising the "penalty of death, without benefit of clergy" upon any not abandoning their homesteads.
(1899) The Dispatch reports 12 local brewers transfered their license to form Pittsburgh Brewing.
(1908) Judge Mellon dies at 95.
(1926) Three miners die & 21 are trapped in the "Coal Corporation" mine terminus.[178]
(1954) The SEA is founded.
(1963) Pittsburgh International opens its $92.2 millionia ($46.1 millionia in federal funds), 2-mile runway.[179][180]
(1967) The Supremes set the Civic Arena crowd record with 12,329.[181]
(1968) 12,563 fill the Igloo as the Penguins tie Toronto 3–3 for its 1st sellout.
(1983) Global TV is live from the Civic Arena as Rosalynn Sumners captures the Figure Skating Championship.
(1990) The Panthers win #1,000, 94–82 v Villanova.
(1994) William Perry becomes Sec. of Defense.
(1999) The state approves funding for Heinz Field, PNC Park & the convention center.
(2009) 350,000 fans brave freezing temperatures on a mile-long downtown route for the Steelers 6th Super Bowl parade.
(2012) Fire crews rush to put out flames as Sarris Candies suffers damage.[182]
(2013) Penguins star Chris Kunitz gets a hat trick in Washington.


February 4

(1751) Publishes map [183]
(1932) Andrew Mellon, 76, is appointed Ambassador to the U.K.[184]
(1935) The Dukes win their record 24th straight game by 7 baskets at Villanova.[185]
(1942) Bob Herron sets an AHL record for most goals in a game (6) as John Sherf & Viv Allen each have 5 assists, beating New Haven, 13-4, setting a record for the most goals scored in an AHL game.[186]
(1970) Penguins star Ken Schinkel scores a hat trick v Minnesota at the Igloo.
(1983) Global TV is live from the Igloo as Scott Hamilton wins the Figure Skating Championship.
(1985) It is announced that Henry Frick's daughter's will leaves Clayton opened to the public as an art museum and park.
(1997) Mario Lemieux scores his 600th goal as the Penguins defeat Vancouver 6-4 at the Igloo. The 2nd fastest and the 7th overall to reach 600 NHL goals.
(2006) The Zoo has 10 sharks die after a chemical leak.[187]
(2011) U.S. Steel warns steelers not to miss shifts because of watching the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.[188]
(2013) Bruno Sammartino [189]


February 5


(1932) Barney Dreyfuss dies at 66, leaving Pirates ownership to Florence Dreyfuss and his son-in-law Bill Benswanger.
(1944) Ira Lewis of the Pittsburgh Courier makes national headlines with her pointed question to President Roosevelt on the treatment of minorities in the armed services.[190]
(1951) Hometown referee Red Mihalik makes world news when he refuses to call a Dukes game at the Duquesne Gardens because of racous fans. [191]
(1987) Penguins hall of famer Mario Lemieux scores a hat trick in Boston.
(1989) Penguins star Rob Brown scores a hat trick for the team in Boston.
(2002) President Bush visits Pitt, touring it's biomedical facilities and giving a speech in Alumni Hall and outlining his bioterrorism defense plan and at Scaife Hall [192] and the Masonic Temple [193]
(2006) Antwaan Randle El sets an all time record in Super Bowl yards from scrimmage on a single play as the Steelers win Super Bowl XL. It is their league leading 5th NFL Championship.
(2012) During Super Bowl XLVI Steelers great Mean Joe Greene reprises his role in commercial fame. [194]


February 6

(1884) A 36.5' flood strikes downtown.[195]
(1890) Andrew Carnegie announces he will donate $25.9 millionia for the establishment of the Carnegie Library, Natural History Museum & Art Museum.
(1904) A Braddock freight train kills 2 passengers boarding a PRR train stopped at the station.[196]
(1925) World news reports on global stations relaying KDKA shows as the station is tuned into as far as Australia.[197]
(1936) The Panthers win their 1st Steel Bowl after 6 tries, beating the Dukes by a basket.
(1975) The NAACP & the Attorney General file suit against the Pittsburgh Police for discriminatory hiring.[198]
(2000) Penguins star Jaromir Jagr is the world's 1st hockey player to get over a million All-Star votes.[199]
(2004) Federal funds are approved for the North Shore Connector.
(2007) The Penguins beat Nashville 4-1 at the Igloo en route to their 1st playoff appearance after a 5 year drought, the last non-sellout for the team.
(2008) Shawn James scores the 1st triple double in Dukes history, a win v St. Joe's at Palumbo.[200]
(2010) A blizzard makes travel impossible as Mayor Ravenstahl is trapped at 7 Springs for 2 days.[201]
(2011) The Steelers appear in their record 8th Super Bowl & face native Mike McCarthy as the head coach of the 5 point victorious Packers.
(2013) Reported on zip[202]


February 7

(1775)[203]
(1853) The Chartiers Valley Railroad is founded.[204]
(1924) The city annexes St. Clair.[205]
(1932) Winston Churchill visits on a goodwill tour, the 6th foreign leader hosted by the city.
(1956) The city's 3rd UNIVAC arrives--a $350,000 display model--has its openhouse downtown.[206]
(1981) The convention center opens.[207]
(1995) Penguins star Joey Mullen becomes the 1st U.S. born player with 1,000 points.
(2001) At the Igloo v Philadelphia Penguins star Alexei Kovalev scores his 2nd hat trick.
(2006) 250,000 fans brave freezing weather to celebrate the Steelers' world title downtown, the city's 1st Super Bowl parade in 26 years.
(2013) Consol Energy announces it has purchased the shale rights from Pittsburgh International for $1 billion over 20 years.[208]


February 8

(1814) After 13 years as Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin steps down but is ad-hoc for another year.
(1846) The Dispatch is founded, the paper will last 77 years and be the first professional home to native writer Nellie Bly (from 1880 to 1887).
(1935) At Pitt Pavilion for the 3rd annual City Game the Panthers snap the Dukes 24 game win streak.[209]
(1939) Hornets stars Don Deacon and Dede Klein both score hat tricks in a win over New Haven.[210]
(1941) Hornets star Lloyd Roubell scores 11 seconds in, the 2nd fastest goal in AHL history. The team also sets the record for 4 fastest goals with Eddie Convey, John O'Flaherty, and Roubell scoring in 1:26.[211]
(1953) Mayor Lawrence announces that original plans for a "civic theater" has secured funding for a multi-purpose theater/sports retractable dome, the Civic Arena will be completed 8 years later.[212]
(1976) Penguins captain Pierre Larouche scores a hat trick in Vancouver.
(1982) With the reversal of fortunes in big industry, Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel follows in U.S. Steel's path, announcing layoffs of 40% of their workforce.
(2003) Penguins star Mario Lemieux scores his 1,000th assist with 4 in a win at Boston.
(2010) A 2 day blizzard finally clears, with Mayor Ravenstahl returning after being trapped at 7 Springs because of impassable roads.[213]
(2012) After 5 months Occupy Pittsburgh leaves Mellon Green after a week old Courthouse order.


February 9

(1933) A Castle Shannon miner discovers brass shavings in his sandwich after falling ill from his lunches in the last 2 weeks, a neighbor and fellow miner is arrested the next day.[214]
(1942) Archaeologists excavating near the intersection of the Boulevard of the Allies and Liberty Avenue find what is believed to be part of the ramparts of Ft. Pitt.
(1950) Sen. McCarthy visits Wheeling and first speaks of a communist conspiracy.
(1963) The body of a 7 year old boy that was missing for 3 days is recovered from the below freezing Ohio near Lighthill Street in the Northside. [215]
(1966) The NHL announces that the Penguins will join the league as it doubles in size for the 1967-68 season.
(1972) After poor Civic Arena attendance the Condors play a home game at Uniontown but attract only 1,750. [216]
(1983) Another industrial giant in the region feels the effects of deindustrialization, Mesta Machinery files bankruptcy along with layoffs and salary cuts.
(1988) Penguins star Mario Lemieux is named the MVP of the All-Star Game in St. Louis, scoring 3 goals (including the game-winner in OT) and 3 assists as Mike Emrick announces.
(2002) Chuck Noll's all time NFL record of 3 Pro Bowl wins is tied by Bill Cowher.


February 10

(1832) Waters flood to 38.2' causing damage downtown.
(1881) Before dawn an ice gorge sweeps away several barges on the Monongahela as well as destroying several dock facilities, the river crests at 28 feet and the ice gorge threatens dams near downtown.[217]
(1933) A Castle Shannon miner is arrested for attempting to poison a fellow miner by placing brass shavings in his sandwich.[218]
(1937) NLRB v J&L begins arguments.
(1967) After accepting the city for the 1st NHL expansion franchise, the ownership group formally begins the naming contest, citing the "Penguins" as the preferred choice.[219]
(1979) The Panthers wins at #3 17-1 Duke by a last second Sam Clancy intercepted basket.[220]
(1984) Kroger sells its 45 area supermarkets, firing all of its 2,845 striking workers. [221]
(1988) 16,798 largest basketball crowd in city history to see #11 Syracuse upset #5 Panthers Civic Arena 5 basket win.[222]
(1990) Penguins star Rob Brown scores a hat trick v LA at the Igloo.
(2001) The Igloo crowd applauds as Alexei Kovalev records a 2nd hat-trick in as many games, this time a 5-4 OT win for the Penguins.
(2007) Penguins star Jordan Staal scores a hat trick in Toronto.
(2011) Penguins coach Dan Bylsma notches his 100th win, the 5th fastest in history, with a win v LA at CONSOL.[223]


February 11

(1888) The term Speakeasy is coined in McKeesport by barmaid Kate Hester as the last day to obtain a $12,933ia license expires.[224][225].
(1890) On the Northside the city is one of the 1st to offer free organ recitals as well as appointing an official organist.[226]
(1911) Pittsburg, California is renamed as one of the 47 worldwide Pittsburghs, Pittsburgs, or Pitsburgs honoring the city.
(1937) Argument concludes in the landmark NLRB v. J&L Steel.
(1941) A month before the Panthers sole Final Four, captain Ed Straloski is KO'd in the 1st & is punched by a Mountaineer in the 2nd, causing a Pavilion bench clearing brawl that Police have to break up.[227]
(1947) The VA announces a 1,248 room, $131 millionia skyscraper hospital near Pitt Stadium.
(1952) The nation's last 2 undefeated teams, the Dukes & St. Bonaventure meet in the 1st TV basketball game to originate from the city, the Dukes 1st TV game & the 1st battle of top 10 teams on television.[228]
(1986) U.S. Steel buys Texas Oil Corporation for $6.48 billionia.
(2000) At the Igloo v Edmonton, Penguins star Martin Straka ties the NHL record for the 2 fastest goals (7 seconds).[229]
(2001) Hundreds gather on the Allegheny & Ohio shores as 31 year old Three Rivers is imploded.
(2007) Nancy Wilson wins her 2nd Grammy in 3 years with Turned to Blue recorded entirely at the Manchester's Guild.
(2010) First Energy buys Allegheny Energy for $9.21 billionia.[230]
(2011) In a melee that garners world debate the Penguins have a bench clearing brawl with the Isles.[231]
(2013) Seegrid is named as one of the top 10 world robotics companies.[232][233]
(2013) BNYMellon loses a $199 million tax case.[234]
(2013) [235]


February 12

(1864) After being captured during Morgan's Raid towards the city, 2nd Lieutenant Alfred Alcorn of the 6th Kentucky Cavalry is shot while attempting escape from Western Pen, he is one of several confederate soldiers imprisoned here, buried in the city at Uniondale cemetery.[236]
(1890) The $7.76 millionia Northside Carnegie Library opens.[237].
(1932) Andrew Mellon steps down as Treasury Secretary--after service to more Presidents than any other--to become the ambassador to Great Britain.
(1983) An east coast blizzard has downtown slowed to a crawl under 3' of snow.
(1985) Penguins star Mario Lemieux is the first and still only rookie named the MVP of the All-Star Game after scoring 2 goals and an assist in Calgary.
(1997) The Panthers stun #18 Villanova 95-89 rallying back down 7 with minutes to go at Fitzgerald. Vonteego Cummings scores 26 as senior Jason Maile scores 40 and sets a school-record with 8 threes, hitting all 8 of his shots in the 2nd, including 6 threes.[238]
(2002) The Convention Center--closed for a redesign-- has a girder fail, killing a construction worker.
(2011) The Heinz History Center conducts 2 hour bus tours tracing Lincoln's route through the city on the 150th anniversary of his arrival, marking his birthday.[239]
(2012) Nemacolin Resort's 15,000 square foot ski lodge is destroyed in a major fire.[240]
(2013) It is reported that the market is one of the most competitive in the country, with one of the most discerning viewer bases.[241]
(2013) Transit center reported.[242]
(2013) FBI and IRS serve a subpoena at Police Headquarters for documents relating to the Police Credit Union.[243][244]


February 13

(1868) Fort Pitt Foundry is incorporated.[245]
(1890) President Harrison visits the dedication and opening of the Northside branch of the Carnegie Library.
(1923) Henry Ford visits to announce the establishment of Ford's Pittsburgh works.
(1949) The commonwealth purchases 13 acres from the PRR to establish Point State Park.
(1963) 11 days after a time out gaffe erases a last second Roman basket & allows WVU the win 68-67 at Fitzgerald, the Panthers win at WVU 69-68 after Brian Generalovich & Gale Catlett are both ejected.[246]
(1970) The Panthers rout Syracuse 127-108 at Fitzgerald for the programs all time high score as 3 players score more than 20 pts.[247]
(1982) A cougar named Tom-Tom on a Lincoln-Mercury display mauls a 9 year old boy at the convention center before being shot to death by police.[248][249]
(1991) The Shriners get an offer of $17.8 millionia for the Syria Mosque.[250]
(2005) Nancy Wilson's album RSVP recorded entirely at the Craftmen's Guild wins the Grammy.
(2005) Bill Cowher breaks the NFL record with 4 Pro Bowl wins--held by his predecessor Chuck Noll--as Steelers trainer Ariko Iso is the 1st female and asian to work a Pro Bowl in the latest NFL game in history.
(2007) Native & Pitt alumnus Beth Ostrosky is engaged to Howard Stern.
(2013) As news leaks of a Heinz deal worth $32 billion with Warren Buffett[251], US Airways finalizes it's $11 billion American merger after market close.


February 14

(1861) Abraham Lincoln visits the North Side.
(1917) The Press reports that City Hall completion will be delayed due to striking electricians.[252]
(1923) The Dispatch--home of Nellie Bly--closes after 77 years.[253]
(1932) Churchill writes about staying with Heinz and speaking at Sewickley and Pittsburgh.book
(1948) Squirrel Hill Tunnel construction claims 2 workers lives.
(1950) City Hall announces the demolition of downtown's People's Gas Building to make way for Mellon Square.
(1956) The Monongahela search for a B-25 Bomber from Nellis is called off.
(1960) Eleanor Roosevelt flies to Pittsburgh International but is routed to Columbus and forced to bus in as a blizzard hits the area.[254]
(1974) At Fitzgerald the Panthers win their 20th straight game, tying the 1928 title team.
(1984) Dr. Starzl performs the world's 1st simultaneous liver & heart transplant operation on a 6-year-old Stormie Jones at Children's.
(1987) The #10 Panthers get their 21st win of the season & 8th straight conference win rallying back to force 2OT before beating Boston College all without star Charles Smith.[255]
(1989) At the Igloo v Buffalo Penguins star Mario Lemieux scores a hat trick.
(1990) Penguins star Mario Lemieux ends the 2nd-longest point streak in NHL history—46 games & 9 shy of the record—leaving the ice because of back problems.
(1990) After the FAA chooses Pittsburgh International as the 1st U.S. airport with the ASDE-3 radar system, the $5.62 millionia 25' installation starts.[256]
(1994) The Associates sell the Pirates to Kevin McClatchy.
(1995) At the Igloo v Boston Penguins star Jaromir Jagr scores his 2nd hat trick.
(2005) Chad Hurley starts Youtube.
(2007) The Penguins beat Chicago 5-4 at the Igloo, the 1st sellout of the current streak.
(2012) Combined Systems is hacked by a peace group.[257]
(2013) Heinz is bought by a Warren Buffett led consortium for $28 billionia as US Airways merges into American for $11 billionia.[258]


February 15


(1805) The American Harmony Society is founded in Butler.[259]
(1816) A flood crests at 36.2'.[260]
(1842) A Crawford County committee to review the Delegate system in elections--the 1st primary elections in history, submits their final amendments.[261]
(1854) The Horseshoe Curve opens.
(1859) The Allegheny Observatory is founded.
(1861) At the Monongahela House, Abraham Lincoln gives his longest inaugural journey speech & stays the night.[262]
(1889) President Hayes visits.[263]
(1943) The Pentagon announces that 1,000 soldiers will be housed on 12 Cathedral of Learning floors.[264]
(1950) The William Penn opens the 1st annual PittCon.
(1964) The Dukes play their last home game at Fitzgerald, a 10 basket win v CMU.[265]
(1967) Belle Vernon's Emily Roberts wins the naming contest for the Penguins becoming the 1st season ticket holder.[266]
(1975) Penguins star Rick Kehoe scores a hat trick in Toronto.
(1986) At the Igloo v Vancouver Penguins star Doug Shedden scores a hat trick.
(1994) Wayfinder is presented to Council.[267]
(1994) Yellowjackets hall of famer Frank Brimsek's 45 year old wins by an American record is eclipsed by Penguins goalie Tom Barrasso at the Igloo.
(2004) At the Pete, the Panthers never trail & beat UConn 75-68 in a rematch of last year's Title Game. Tickets are scalped for over $300 and 150 media request credentials to the 1st meeting of top 5 teams in city history weeks after UConn ended Dixon's 3rd best NCAA coaching start: 18-0.[268][269]
(2005) Eastland Mall closes.
(2006) A loaded JetBlue is stranded for 5 hours after breaks freeze on a Pittsburgh International runway.[270]
(2013) Heinz shareholders sue.[271]


February 16

(1861) Lincoln closes his visit, leaving by train to D.C.
(1935) In what may be the longest basketball game in history, the clock stops in the 4th quarter at Notre Dame as the Panthers use it to rally from 10 behind, scoring the game winner in the last second, prompting Irish coach George Keegan to grab the clock, throwing it across the court.[272]
(1940) Pitt dedicates the Polish Room at the Cathedral of Learning.
(1947) The Hornets tie their 3rd franchise 0-0 game, all v Buffalo, the last 2 in the past month.[273]
(1948) On the 1st day of a taxi strike an Owl Cabbie shoots a Yellow Cabbie downtown.
(1952) Pirates coach Honus Wagner retires.
(1954) Both the AP & UPI name the Dukes #1 for the 1st time.[274]
(1974) The Panthers break a 47 year old school record for most consecutive wins with their 21st of the season.
(1983) In the 2nd largest real estate buy in the region's history US Steel sells the new Mellon Center to a partnership.[275]
(1995) Penguins star Luc Robitaille scores a hat trick v Hartford at the Igloo.
(1996) The inbound Capitol Limited collides with a MARC Train near D.C., killing 11.
(2009) The Panthers beat a #1 team for the 1st time (UConn).


February 17

(1754) English frontier trader William Trent begins construction of the first fort at the Forks of the Ohio, to be named Fort Prince George and to be destroyed by the advancing French a year later.[276]
(1901) Edgeworth native composer Ethelbert Nevin dies at 38.
(1984) The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority is founded, replacing the city's 124 year old (1820) water department.
(1987) Cyclops Steel is bought by Alleghany Corporation for $1.05 billionia, as its 119-store Silo electronics outlets and 11-store Busy Beaver retailers are spun off into British based Dixons Group Ltd.[277]
(1987) Miami seven year old Ronnie DeSillers lands at Pittsburgh International in hopes of a Children's Hospital liver transplant.[278]
(1990) At the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York, Fox Chapel's own "Dreamer"--a giant schnauzer, takes first prize.
(1995) University of Pittsburgh historian Dr. Row Lubove dies at 60, his two volumes "Twenthith Century Pittsburgh" are masterworks.


February 18

(1819) Pitt changes its charter from an Academy to a University.
(1932) Charles Schwab makes the city a dateline for world news as he defiantly proclaims: "I Shall never leave Bethlehem Steel until they kick me out."[279]
(1949) The Panthers snap WVU's 58 game home win streak with a 1 basket win.[280]
(1953) The Dukes win their 500th in their 1st 100-point game, 109–66 at Geneva College.[281]
(1961) Bruno Sammartino kills Chick Garibaldi by bodyslam.
(1961) The North Park ice skating rink opens.
(1977) Four Pittsburgh Police officers who moonlighted as security at the notorious Garden Theater are suspended.
(1978) Rival Villanova finally meets the Panthers after having the game postponed due to a player outbreak of "Russian Flu", thou fans suspect it is an excuse to rest Villanova star Bradley who scores 35. Pitt wins 97–81 as fans chant "Who's got the Flu?" throughout.[282]
(1989) 400 pro-life protesters rally at 3 clinics, leading to 200 arrests.
(1992) Penguins star Joe Mullen scores a hat trick v Toronto at the Igloo.
(1995) Hundreds of Tri-State first responders attend the St. Paul funeral for 3 firefighters who lost their lives on a Valentine's day house fire.
(2004) 17 year old CERT publishes its 1st Incident Report.[283]
(2012) The Colonials beat Cent. Conn. at Sewall for win #500.
(2013) County council votes 9-4 with 1 abstention to allow for drilling at Pittsburgh International.[284]


February 19

(1803) After nearly 100 years the frontier era ends for the city with Congress recognizing the new state of Ohio.
(1875) With the area's coal and steel growth in its immature height, the Weather Bureau reports that the city was dark until after 11 AM, with streetlights burning for illumination.
(1959) Pittsburgh Police arrest 13 in a raid on numbers boss and mob leader Tony Grosso's office. It wouldn't be until 1986 that the "boss" would be incarcerated for his mob leadership that at it's height was 5,000 strong and earning $242 millionia.
(1968) Mister Rogers' Neighborhood premiers nationwide.
(1976) Penguins star Jean Pronovost scores a hat trick v Toronto at the Igloo.
(1977) Penguins star Pierre Larouche scores a hat trick in Toronto.
(1983) Clyde Vaughan scores a game high 22 pts. as the Panthers rally with 4 minutes left over Patrick Ewing's #14 Georgetown at Fitzgerald.[285]
(2007) Penguins star Ryan Malone scores a hat trick at the Islanders.
(2010) The last Texas-deck sternwheeler, the Showboat Becky Thatcher sinks in a vicious winter storm while docked at her home port of Neville Island.
(2011) The 1st annual "Runnin out of our Mine" 5k race is held in Wampum.[286]
(2013) FNB buys Parkview for $106.4 million.[287]


February 20

(1755) Gen. Braddock, Adj. Gen. St. Clair, and the regiments of Colonels Dunbar and Halkett land at Alexandria to begin their march to Ft. Duquesne.[288]
(1877) The International Association is founded in the city, the world's 1st minor league in sports.[289]
(1890) After being open for a week, the $7.76 millionia Carnegie Library's Northside Branch is dedicated by Andrew Carnegie as President Harrison visits.[290]
(1935) Former Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon is accused at the U.S. Courthouse of non payment of taxes and short selling.[291]
(1974) The Panthers beat Temple at Fitzgerald to set the school record with their 22nd straight win.[292]
(1985) World press report from City Hall as Pittsburgh is 1 of the 1st Councils to sever financial ties with companies & banks doing business with South Africa.
(1990) Penguins star John Cullen scores a hat trick v Philadelphia at the Igloo.
(2002) The zoo's 30 year resident & beloved "Chuckles"--the oldest Amazon River dolphin in the U.S.--dies at the age of 36/37.[293]
(2009) World news reports on 11 year old Jordan Brown committing murder.
(2013) Pittsburgh police chief Nathan Harper resigns after the FBI and IRS investigate bank accounts tied to the police credit union.[294]


February 21

(1775) Dr. Connolly gavels in the Augusta County, Virginia court at Ft. Pitt, renames it in honor of the Virginia governor, declares the Forks of the Ohio for Virginia and expels all loyal Pennsylvanians.
(1968) Penguin Pete, a real-life Ecuadorian Penguin, makes his debut at the Igloo as the official mascot of the 1st-year Penguins.
(1976) Penguins stars Pierre Larouche & Lowell MacDonald both score hat tricks v Chicago at the Igloo.
(1977) Mayor Flaherty is appointed deputy U.S. Attorney General and announces he will resign from City Hall to join the Carter Administration.
(1982) The Penguins beat the Isles at the Igloo 4-3 to snap the longest win streak in NHL history at 15 games. 11 seasons later they will break the Isle's record with 17 straight wins.
(1986) Penguins star Mike Bullard scores a hat trick at Detroit.
(1987) Panthers star Jerome Lane gets a 20-20 while breaking the conference rebounding record in a win v UConn.[295]
(1990) Sen. Heinz introduces Senate Bill S.2151 to transfer the USS Requin to the Carnegie Science Center.
(1991) In the 1st lawsuit challenging NCAA sanctions, RMU loses its bid for the Tournament at the Courthouse.[296]
(2007) The oldest continuous U.S. golf club, the Foxburg Country Club founded in 1887, is added to the NRHP.
(2007) U.S. Airways chooses Pittsburgh International as the site for its $28.8 millionianew global flight operations center.[297]
(2008) Bill Gates visits CMU as part of his emerging technology tour, 1 of only 4 campuses chosen. His 1st visit since donating $24.6 millionia 4 years earlier.[298][299]
(2012) The Economist ranks the city as #1 in livabilty for the U.S.[300]
(2013) Shoe shiner Albert Lexie makes world news donating $200,000 to Children's hospital.[301]


February 22

(1788) Christian Linhart, Jr. homesteads 150 acres east of the city.[302]
(1849) An ad in the Gazette announces the opening of the flagship Joseph Horne Company at 63 Market Street in downtown.
(1856) The 1st ever Republican national convention is gaveled in downtown for a 2 day meeting formally founding the national party.
(1890) An Adamsburg miner who salvages a stick of damp dynamite causes a massive explosion after he drys it in his oven, with "flying missles" killing himself and 4 others near his home.[303]
(1892) President Hayes visits the city to honor Washington's "loyal legion". [304]
(1944) The 3rd USS Pittsburgh is launched by the Navy for service in World War II.
(1950) In HUAC testimony FBI undercover agent Matt Cvetic, places the number of Communist party members in Western Pennsylvania at 550 and lists several city organizations as "fronts."[305]
(1975) The Penguins win their record setting 20th straight home game at the Igloo.[306]
(1978) At the height of the City Game rivalry Dukes coach John Cinicola complains to referees that Pitt's band is playing past the whistle, as he points to the band, Panthers coach Tim Grgurich leads them into yet another song while freshman Sam Clancy scores 20 & grabs 20 rebounds for the win.[307][308]
(1980) President Carter hosts both the Steelers and the Pirates at the White House in honoring the champions,[309] as the U.S. Hockey team defeats the Soviets with Penguins stars Mark Johnson and Buzz Schneider playing as well as future Penguin Mike Ramsey, and future Penguin coaches Craig Patrick and Herb Brooks in the box.[310]
(1985) World press arrive to report on 8 year old Cherrie Mahan who earlier in the day disappeared in Winfield after getting off her school bus.
(1987) Native and CMU alum Andy Warhol dies, leaving instructions for the Warhol Museum to be built in his hometown.
(1989) I-279 opens along the North Shore easing connections to downtown and Three Rivers Stadium.
(1989) Allegeny Co. v ACLU is argued.
(2006) Federal investigators announce that Pitt researcher Gerald Schatten used faulty research from his Korean counterpart in wrongly securing a $19.2 millionia grant 6 months prior, a charge he is fully exonerated of.[311]
(2013) The county receives a gift of $500,000 and 78 acres to form Montour Run Park.[312]


February 23

(1775) Frontiersman Jacob Bausman is licensed by Virginia, and the local Virginia judge to operate a ferry at Wood Street across the Monongahela River; he sees no reason to ask Pennsylvania for permission.
(1769) After years of outlawing crossing the mountains, the colony relents and publishes ads in the Gazette announcing that land will be up for public sale in two months. (L)
(1954) First mass inoculation of the polio vaccine.[313]
(1974) The Panthers at Fitzgerald lose their chance at a school record-setting 23 straight wins as Penn State wins at the buzzer.[314]
(1979) The Pirates hold tryouts at Three Rivers for the brand new Pirate Parrot.[315]
(1982) Ten days after the cougar Tom-Tom mauls a 9-year-old boy and is shot to death, his trainer and handler go on trial at Allegheny County Courthouse.[316]
(1985) Pirates announcer Lanny Frattare calls the infamous Bob Knight chair-throwing game for ESPN.
(1987) H.J. Heinz II, the last of the family to run the H.J. Heinz Company, and the grandson of the founder, dies.
(1988) Panthers 1000th game at St. John's.[317]
(1996) Penguins stars Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr both score their 50th goals of the season.
(1998) Native Brendan Eich helps found the Mozilla Foundation.
(1999) North Side native and Duquesne alumnus Michael Hayden becomes Director of the National Security Agency, the longest serving NSA Director in history. [318]
(2000) Native Christina Aguilera wins best new artist at the 42nd Grammy Awards.
(2001) Penguins star Alexei Kovalev scores a hat trick against the Rangers at the Igloo, his fourth.
(2002) The newly redesigned convention center opens.


February 24

(1945) Bobby Walton and Bob Gracie set an AHL record for most points in a game with eight each. Walton had two goals and six assists. Gracie had three goals and five assists, against Indianapolis , the second of 3 games where the Hornets have over 10 goals each. [319]
(1954) Dr. Jonas Salk captures global datelines as he administers his announced Polio cure at Arsenal Elementary School in the city.
(1967) In the seventh of 15 regular season NBA games hosted at the Civic Arena, Wilt Chamberlain sets the all time NBA record for consecutive field goals and field goal percentage, records that still stand.[320]
(1971) The year old Godspell created at Carnegie Mellon University by drama students there goes on to open in New York.
(1981) The Pirates, having been courted by New Orleans, Washington and Tampa, file suit in the Allegheny County Courthouse for the annulment of its lease at Three Rivers Stadium.
(2012) F-18 emergency landing at Pittsburgh International Airport [321]


February 25

(1777)[322]
(1935) U.S. Steel receives a $52.1 millionia order from the Soviet Union, one of the largest foreign orders up to that time.
(1942) Against the Providence Reds, Chuck Corrigan had five assists to tie an AHL record and Norm Schultz and Victor Grigg each scored a hat trick.[323]
(1959) In the first election since the early 1940's without long-time boss David L. Lawrence on the ticket, city republicans are hopeful of wresting City Hall with the nomination of industrialist Paul Reinhold.
(1977) Among whispers of Pittsburgh Police corruption, George Lee, who's "massage parlors" are under investigation, is found shot dead in a 7th street parking lot in downtown.
(2002) Panthers reach the AP top ten for the 1st time in 14 seasons, part of 32 consecutive weeks nationally ranked.[324]
(2012) Penguins star Evgeni Malkin scores a hat trick at the Consol Energy Center in an 8-1 win over Tampa and dueling scoring and goals title competitor Steven Stamkos.


February 26

(1862) The 13 year old PFw&C RR, which inaugurated the first train service west of the region, is fully absorbed by it's parent, the PRR.
(1915) The $241 millionia Mellon Institute on the campus of CMU is dedicated.
(1948) The PRR announces a $46.8 millionia transit depot outside of downtown near Penn Station.
(1951) The Panthers play their last game at 27 year old Pitt Pavilion with a Backyard Brawl victory. The pavilion was home to one undefeated Pitt team, two national basketball champions (1928, 1930), three national title contending teams ('28,'30 & '35) & 4 Eastern Conference title teams as well as Pitt's 1941 Final Four team.
(1957) PennDOT places the $359 millionia Crosstown Blvd. project as part of the interstate system, which will eventually become I-579.[325]
(1975) Penguins star Jean Pronovost scores a hat trick against the Capitals at the Igloo.
(1980) Cyclops Steel announces it has purchased electronics chain Silo for $112 millionia.[326]
(2002) The Panthers clinch a division title with an overtime win at Seton Hall.[327]


February 27

(1828) The Pennsylvania Senate authorizes the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to complete its line to the Ohio River.[328]
(1896) The Pittsburgh Symphony conducts is very first concert performance.
(1928) The legendary $40.1 millionia Benedum Center (then known as the Stanley) opens its doors in the Cultural District.
(1985) Rand McNally's places rated almanac names Pittsburgh it's top city, it will be the first of two such honors.[329]
(1991) The University of Pittsburgh announces a $88.9 millionia for its main campus.
(2004) Vice President Cheney visits a Arnold Palmer Airport rally.[330]
(2008) Longtime Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope dies.
(2012) Film production center announced.[331]


February 28


(1787) The University of Pittsburgh is founded.
(1920) Enrico Caruso Syrian Mosque 18 months before his death [332]
(1928) American Bantam (Jeep) incorporated in suburban Butler [333]
(1931) The first University of Pittsburgh classes move into the $131 millionia Cathedral of Learning.
(1940) The 1st nationally televised basketball game goes on the air as the Panthers beat Fordham 50-37, a moment enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame.[334]
(1945) The Hornets set an AHL record for most points over 3 games (31) with a 10- win over St. Louis today.[335]
(1953) Doc Carlson coaches his last Panthers game, a loss at Penn State.[336]
(1959) Don Hennon's last game as a Panther is switched to Pitt after Penn State agrees to play in State College earlier in the year, it is a 84-65 win and Bob Prince, the Pitt announcer, gives Hennon a gift of a microscope for Med School. [337]
(1964) The Allegheny County Port Authority officially takes over transit operations.
(1977) The $143 millionia Westmoreland Mall opens.
(1984) Grove City College v. Bell decided.
(1988) Penguins star Dan Quinn scores a hat trick against Chicago.
(1989) WBGN signs on for the first time as the city's eleventh and last (transmitter tower) television station.
(1994) British prime minister John Major becomes the twenty-fifth foreign leader to visit the city for a "summit" with President Bill Clinton, on Mount Washington at the Tin Angel [338] and the Duquesne Incline and at Station Square.[339][340]
(1999) Rafael Vinoly's design for the new David L. Lawrence Convention Center is chosen, it will be the world's first "green" convention center.
(2001) President Bush visits suburban Beaver.[341]


February 29

(1784)[342]
(1916) The International Indoor Skating Championship "races" are held in the city. [343]
(1956) The Wall Street Journal leads the story of President Eisenhower's decision to seek re-election by reporting it from the reactions at the Duquesne Club in downtown. [344]
(1972) plaza al martino only way ill come back to new york is if i fly over it [345]
(1984) The $68.5 billionia in revenue Gulf Oil Corporation shocks the local economy by formally soliciting bidders to buy the company after months of fighting off T. Boone Pickens, signaling that the city will most probably lose its largest corporate headquarters. [346]
(1988) The Duquesne Dukes play their last Civic Arena home game, a one basket loss to St. Bonaventure. [347]
(2004) Syracuse ends Pitt's 40 game home win streak by a single basket, 34 games in a row to open the Pete, 3rd best in NCAA history.[348]
(2008) Steelers announcer Myron Cope is laid to rest.
(2012) The Steelers all time receptions leader Hines Ward is released despite his desire to continue as a Steeler, Ward will announce his pro retirement at the UPMC Sports Works three weeks later. [349]


[edit]
March
March 1

(1759) Construction of Ft. Pitt starts under the command of Gen. Stanwix.
(1799) Sen. Ross becomes president pro tempore.
(1843) Walter Forward resigns as Treasury Secretary.
(1898) Beltzhoover is annexed.
(1902) A flood hits at 35.6".[350]
(1909) Forbes Field starts construction.
(1911) The Catholic College becomes Duquesne.
(1920) [351]
(1935) Slight earthquake. [352]
(1943) The first 500 airman arrive at the Cathedral of Learning as 12 floors are requisitioned for them and 500-750 more service men.[353]
(1947) The Hornets defeat St. Louis, 14-4, and set a record for the most goals scored in an AHL Game. The Hornets also set an AHL record most goals scored in one period, 9. 18 goals was the second most goals scored in a game. [354]
(1952) At midnight U.S. Steel's top 100 execs drink a toast to the Carnegie Building, "steel headquarters" for 57 years. At 8 AM it is demolished for an expansion of Kaufmann's.
(1952) The $48.3 millioniaCarlton House, the 1st new hotel in 25 years, opens.[355]
(1961) The Dukes defeat #2 St. Bonaventure at the Fitzgerald Field House in OT 79-74 as classes are canceled the next day with most of the campus celebrating into the night.[356]
(1967) US Steel Tower announced at "well above" $358 millionia expansion.[357][358]
(1974) WRCT after 25 years.
(1983) City government will spend $4.09 millionia in surplus funds to create jobs for the unemployed.
(1990) The Colonials win their 2nd straight tournament championship, the 4th of 7, with a win at the Jay Center.
(1995) The Tribune-Review goes online. [359]
(2000) Ron Taylor shoots 5 and kills 3 in a Wilkinsburg anti-white spree.[360]
(2000) The Mon-Fayette Expressway opens $195 millioniasegments connecting I-70 to West Virginia.
(2006) Pittsburgh International wins 1st in Airport Revenue News for a record 4th straight year for it's retail and concession "AirMall".[361]
(2009) Fleetwood Mac starts their Unleashed Tour. at the Mellon Arena.
(2012) Rush Limbaugh bomb scare.[362]


March 2

(1901) The Western District of Pennsylvania courts and Federal District Attorney splits off the eastern most counties to a newly formed Middle District to be based in Harrisburg. [363]
(1947) St. Louis defeats the Hornets, 8-4, to end an AHL record 19 game unbeaten streak.[364]
(1969) The City Hall is rocked by news that two outsiders Pete Flaherty and now John Tabor will run for mayor of the city.
(1978) Interstate truckers stage a protest on I-70, halting traffic for several hours south of the city to draw attention to the need for road improvements.
(1979) for second time in two years the 70 year old sew bridge closed for emergency repairs.
(1982) The Panthers beat WVU at the Civic Arena for their 2nd straight conference title & 1st 20 win season in 8 years.[365]
(1987) The new $33.5 millionia Clairton-Glassport Bridge opens replacing the 60 year old span.
(1990) Suburban Robert Morris University opens as host for it's second straight Northeast Conference basketball finals. [366]
(1993) Global media descend on the city as defending champion Christopher Bowman is treated at Mercy Hospital in the early morning after Pittsburgh Police report he was assaulted at a Hill District motel. [367]
(1998) Native Henry Steele Commager the world renown prominent historian dies at 95.
(2002) The 10th ranked Panthers team plays the last game at the legendary 51-year-old Fitzgerald Field House, a Backyard Brawl win in which 11 Panthers score and Julis Page gets 23. A pregame ceremony features all living letterman [368][369]
(2007) Anti-war protest at Robotics Center.[370]


March 3

(1781)[371]
(1843) Former mayor William W. Irwin is appointed Ambassador to Denmark, the first of two mayors to be appointed U.S. Ambassadors.
(1890) Section 18 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (30 Stat., 1121–1153). This act empowered the Secretary of War to require the removal or alteration of any bridge which " ... is an unreasonable obstruction to the free navigation . . . on account of insufficient height, width of span, or otherwise". So, unfortunately, the War Department decreed that the numerous bridges over the Allegheny with their differing spacing of piers, main spans, and generally low clearances, were an impediment to navigation, and decreed that all bridges would have to be replaced, prompting eventual construction of the Three Sisters Bridges.
(1906) James Wallace Conant, the "father" of Pittsburgh hockey, some claim professional hockey, leaves the city for the last time; he will die under mysterious circumstances 10 days later in New York.
(1923) After more than a decade as Ambassador to both Portugal and Spain, native Cyrus Woods is appointed the new Ambassador to Japan.[372]
(1942) A 17-inch snowfall, the second heaviest in the region's history (up to this time), paralyzes downtown.
(1958) As the longest serving Pittsburgh mayor in history, David L. Lawrence announces at the City Hall he will run for governor.
(1970) The Panthers beat WVU 92-87 on Kent Scott's 32 pts. in the last game for the West Virginia Field House.[373]
(1981) PennDOT commences a $193 millionia complete rehabilitation of Interstate 376 between downtown and the Turnpike.
(1983) U.S. Steel finally announces good news for the declining steel fortunes and employment in the region, recalling 300 workers and lighting the No. 3 Blast Furnace at the Edgar Thomson Works.
(1987) Penguins star Ryan Cunneyworth scores a hat trick at Quebec.
(1990) Suburban Robert Morris University hosts its second straight Northeast Conference basketball championship. [374]
(2008) Five year old local tech startup ModCloth registers for business with the Commonwealth. [375]


March 4

(1681) The first use of the word "pennsylvania" as the King signs the charter for Sylvania applied for by William Penn, the King amends it to read Pennsylvania.
(1841) Thomas Ewing becomes Treasury Sec.
(1861) All papers hurridly publish extras with the Gazette: "There is no bravado, no irritating threats ... and yet no language could more distinctly and emphatically declare his purpose, faithfully to execute the laws and maintain the Union in its integrity ..." [376]
(1869) The Pittsburgh Legal Journal begins publication, one of the 1st dozen in the world & the 1st west of the Atlantic Plain.[377]
(1869) James G. Blaine begins his 7 year tenure as Speaker of the U.S. House.
(1921) The 1st broadcast of a presidential inauguration is on-the-air from KDKA-AM, along with Andrew Mellon appointed Treasury Secretary.
(1923) Native industrialist Alexander Moore is appointed Ambassador to Spain.
(1953) The Allegheny Conference announces a "toll tunnel" under Mt. Washington eventually becoming the $140 millionia Fort Pitt Tunnel.
(1956) The Gulf Tower installs its rooftop weather beacons.[378]
(1979) Penguins captain Orest Kindrachuk scores a hat trick at Denver.
(1988) In the 22nd visit by a foreign leader, the Prince of Wales visits the city's "Remaking Cities Conference" at the Lawrence Convention Center.
(1990) Penguins star Rob Brown scores a hat trick against Minnesota at the Igloo.
(1998) Vonteego Cummings scores 37 pts. as the Panthers lose to Villanova in the conference tournament in 3OT by a basket.[379]
(1998) Mellon Financial announces it will construct a $145 millionia Client Service Center in downtown.
(2006) Penguins star Mark Recchi scores a hat trick at the Igloo v Carolina.


March 5

(1779)[380]
(1804) Council makes the first amendments to the decade old founding charter.[381]
(1902) The third most snowfall up to this time--15 inches--falls on the city.
(1921) James Davis begins his 10 years as Sec. of Labor, serving under 3 presidents.
(1925) The Duquesne Duke begins publication at Duquesne University.
(1933) President Roosevelt announces a bank holiday as both Mellon Financial and PNC Bank, as well as the Pittsburgh Stock Exchange leave nervous account holders waiting outside locked doors.
(1934) Gus Greenlee arrives in Morals Court [382]
(1939) Legendary Panthers head coach Jock Sutherland announces his retirement, it will be 15 seasons until the program recovers with a Bowl Game appearance.
(1942) The Dravo Corporation becomes the first corporation to receive the All-Navy "E" Award.
(1956) The Dukes play their last game at the Duquesne Gardens a four basket win over St. Bonaventure. [383]
(1962) Griggs v. Allegheny County is decided by 6-2 landmark U.S. Supreme Court case establishing that airports are liable for noise pollution.
(1977) The Dukes are crowned conference tournament champions.
(1996) The Igloo crowd goes wild as Penguins star Petr Nedved scores a 4 goal hat trick against Winnipeg.
(1999) Penguins star Jaromir Jagr records his 500th career assist in a 2-2 tie with Edmonton.
(2002) Howland is named big east coach of the year as Brandin Knight shares MVP honors.[384]
(2002) President Bush announces steel tariffs of 8-39%.
(2008) Suburban Robert Morris University hosts the week long NEC basketball tournament. [385]
(2010) Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is accused of assault [386]
(2012) womens conference [387]


March 6

(1882) U.S. Steel workers strike with violence at Homestead--its 1st labor unrest.
(1909) Philander Knox becomes Sec. of State.
(1946) The 1st of 2 massive fires at the historic Wabash Station at the Point breaks out, eventually dooming the landmark.[388]
(1952) Koppers laysoff its Kobuta rubber plant for 3 months to recover from a fire.
(1968) Ron Guziak scores an all-time Dukes high of 50 in a win at St. Francis.[389]
(1974) Thousands attend DA Duggan's funeral in Shadyside.[390]
(1982) Penguins star André St. Laurent scores a hat trick at Quebec.
(1988) The Panthers clinch their 1st outright--2nd overall--Big East Season Title with an 86-85 win at Syracuse as Jerome Lane gets 29 pts. and Charles Smith gets 25.[391]
(1992) Penguins star Rick Tocchet scores a hat trick at San Jose.
(2003) Pitt breaks ground on the $243 millionia Biomedical Center III tower.
(2004) With a 59-45 win over Villanova at the Pete the Panthers capture their 3rd straight regular season Big East title, 9th overall & 5th BE.[392]
(2007) Jordan Staal scores his 7th SH goal of the season to set a new all time NHL record.[393]
(2012) Maglev Inc. is auctioned off.[394]


March 7

(1786) James Myers homesteads 295 acres east of the settlement.[395]
(1881) Sen. Blaine is appointed Sec. of State.
(1901) Panamodium strikes City Hall as the state enacts the "ripper" bill ousting Mayor Diehl & appointing the unelected "recorder" Brown.
(1910) Westmoreland Coal strikers vote to unionize.
(1916) Four B&O workers drown in boiling water & several others are injured, after a Connellsville rail yard "vat roof" collapses. [396]
(1918) The $18.1 millionia Warner Theater has its grand opening, built on the site of the city's original Opera House it would later be deemed a historic landmark.[397]
(1932) Churchill visits press
(1939) The University of Pittsburgh dedicates its Czechoslovak Nationality Room at the Cathedral of Learning.
(1952) Pittsburgh the song by Guy Mitchell causes a sensation hitting the Charts.
(1978) The city makes international headlines as the UMW openly defy President Carter's enactment of Taft-Hartley.
(1980) Panthers coach Tim Grgurich resigns.[398]
(1981) The Panthers win their 1st conference title since the 1930's, defeating the Dukes at the Civic Arena.[399]
(1982) Both the Panthers and Colonials win their conference tournament championships, Pitt repeats as champs with a Backyard Brawl win, and it is the first of seven for RMU.
(1983) The USFL grants the city a founding franchise for 1984, four days later Penguins owner Ed Debartolo is announced as owner.
(1988) Penguins star Dan Quinn scores a hat trick for the team in Winnipeg.
(2002) Pitt beats BC IN the BE TOUrnament gettiing their program record 26th win.[400]
(2005) The last Three Rivers train from Chicago pulls into Penn Station, to be replaced by a limited route Pennsylvanian
(2005) President Bush and the First Lady visit the city for a major address at CACC's main campus on the North Side. [401]
(2012) The 'Le Magnifect' statute of Mario Lemieux is unveiled outside of the Consol Energy Center. [402]


March 8

(1782)[403]
(1786) Malachia Powell homesteads 112 acres east of the settlement.[404]
(1849) Thomas Ewing becomes the 1st Interior Sec.
(1925) From its downtown headquarters Westinghouse Electric proposes that radio stations network their broadcasts via shortwave.
(1968) The University of Pittsburgh community is in mourning as former Chancellor Litchfield, his wife, sons and mother die in a airplane crash into Lake Michigan.
(1975) Penguins star Ron Stackhouse records the fourth six assist game by a defenseman in NHL history in an 8-2 win over the Flyers at the Igloo. (Two other defenseman have since accomplished this feat.)
(1984) Governor Thornburgh visits the city for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Veterans Bridge and the final link completing I-579 to the North Shore.[405]
(1987) Penguins hall of famer Mario Lemieux scores a hat trick for the team in Winnipeg.
(1993) The world and city mourn as news that native musician and singer Billy Eckstine has died at 78, he had more than a dozen number one hits to his credit.
(1994) The Igloo crowd goes wild as Penguins star Martin Straka scores his first career hat trick against Boston.
(1999) Ben Howland is introduced as Panthers coach.[406]
(2002) Intel officially opens its east coast research center near the Carnegie Mellon University campus.[407]
(2010) The last Texas-deck Sternwheeler in the world, the Showboat Becky Thatcher is demolished at her home port of suburban Neville Island, weeks after a vicious winter storm sinks the vessel and determinations are made that it is unrecoverable.
(2012) A gunman shoots nine, killing two at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in the city's Oakland neighborhood.[408]


March 9

(1763) The rivers rise to 41' as Ft. Pitt suffers 6" of water.
(1847) Citizens call a meeting to plan the formation of a public hospital.
(1910) After weeks of tension the Slovak Strike begins with a complete walkout.
(1921) Andrew Mellon begins his 12 years as Treasury Secretary, serving 3 presidents.
(1933) At a rally of 2000 persons in Syria Mosque, plans were made to send a delegation to Harrisburg to fight for city-manager form of government for Pittsburgh.
(1961) Pittsburgh-Monroeville Airport is licensed for commercial flights.[409]
(1964) The Stadium Authority is founded.
(1965) President Johnson signs into law the Appalachian Regional Commission.[410]
(1984) U.S. Steel announces it has backed out of its acquisition of ailing National Steel.
(1994) The $67.6 millionia Heinz History Center has its official ground breaking.
(1998) Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center receives $6.51 millionia in contracts from the Energy Department.[411][412]
(2001) Isaac Hawkins' free throw with three seconds to go gives Pitt a thrilling 55-54 win vs. Syracuse in the semifinals of the Big East Tournament. The win puts the Panthers in the Big East Championship game for the first time in school history. It is the first of three consecutive Big East Tournament title game appearances.[413]
(2002) Pitt loses to UConn in double OT in the BE championship game.[414]
(2003) Pitt clinches its 2nd straight Division title with a 1 basket win at Villanova.[415]
(2004) Jamie Dixon was named Big East Coach of the Year, Chris Taft earned Big East Rookie of the Year, Carl Krauser was named Big East Most Improved Player and Jaron Brown earned the Sportsmanship Award.[416]


March 10

(1786) Christian Linhart homesteads 350 acres east of the settlement.[417]
(1858) The first train operated from Allegheny into the city’s first Union Station, located at Seventh Street and Liberty Avenue.
(1910) The Pittsburgh Courier begins publication. [418]
(1910) The Homewood Branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh opens.
(1916) Jack Dillion has a heavyweight bout with Jim Flynn at the Pittsburgh Lyceum.[419]
(1921) The first broadcast of live theater/opera is on-the-air via KDKA-AM from the Davis theater.
(1928) The undefeated 21–0 Panthers complete their season with a win over Penn State. Both Helm's and Premo-Poretta award Pitt its first ever national basketball championship.
(1943) Douglas v. City of Jeannette is argued.
(1955) The Pentagon announces $130 millionia in spending on the area's air defenses. Half for Nike missile sites & half to support the Air Force Base.
(1976) Penguins star Rick Kehoe scores a hat trick at the Igloo v Buffalo.
(1983) It is revealed that Penguins owner Ed Debartolo is 1 of 2 leading candidates for the USFL 1984 Maulers expansion team announced four days prior.
(1998) Alcoa announces a $5.5 billionia purchase of the 3rd largest aluminum company Alumax.
(2001) At the Igloo v Calgary Penguins star Jaromir Jagr scores his 9th hat trick.
(2007) Penguins captain Sidney Crosby becomes the youngest player to score 200 NHL points, and the youngest to have two 100 point seasons, in a victory over the Rangers at the Igloo.
(2010) The Colonials win their 2nd straight Northeast Conference tournament championship—seventh overall.
(2013) At the Islanders Chris Kunitz scores a hat trick as Sydney Crosby scores a career high game in points and assists (5) as the Penguins win their 5th straight.link



March 11

(1901) Andrew Carnegie announces his retirement, selling what will become U.S. Steel to J.P. Morgan for $13.7 billionia.
(1910) President Taft's brother in law, Thomas K. Laughlin, CEO of Jones & Laughlin Steel commits suicide at his mansion on Woodlawn Road in the East End.NYT
(1916) The William Penn opens with a gala for the annual Chamber of Commerce dinner hosted by Sec. Knox.[420]
(1918) The Pittsburgh Federal Reserve opens.
(1927) America's 1st commercial armored car holdup takes place as police give chase.[421]
(1939) Hornets star Connie Brown gets 5 assists in a win over New Haven.[422]
(1948) A court invalidates the city's sale of Diamond Market House Square, citing it never actually was owned but always planned as a public square by the Penn family in 1784.
(1953) The 1st of 18 NBA regular season neutral site games are played in the city, at the Duquesne Gardens.
(1964) A flood crests at 31.6'.[423][424]
(1973) John Cigna does his 1st show for KDKA after 5 years at WJAS.
(1984) The Maulers of the USFL play Three Rivers for the 1st time in a sellout as former Steeler (and now Birmingham player) Cliff Stoudt is pelted with snowballs.
(1985) FedEx Ground is founded in Moon.
(1993) The Storm of the Century starts almost 3 days of blizzard conditions.
(2008) President Clinton visits Washington & Jefferson for a speech.[425]
(2011) The Power take the field for the 1st time at CONSOL losing to Philadelphia by 6.
(2013) Bike sharing is announced.link


March 12

(1783)[426]
(1894) The Pirates offer a special promotion for season tickets, free for ladies on every Tuesday & Thursday of the season.[427]
(1904) Andrew Carnegie awards the first Hero Awards with an endowment of $129 millionia.[428]
(1914) George Westinghouse dies at his country estate in New England.
(1975) The Igloo crowd goes wild as Penguins star Pierre Larouche scores a hat trick against Boston.
(1978) The area breaks a year old record with the still current 64 straight days of snow on the ground, thawing at the end of this day.
(1979) The Pirates have a final "Top 10" tryout for who will be the new Pirate Parrot mascot.[429]
(1980) Islanders set an NHL record for most consecutive scoreless ties as they play the Penguins.[430]
(1983) The Colonials at the Jay Center, win their 2nd straight conference tournament title.
(1987) At the Igloo v Quebec Penguins hall of famer Mario Lemieux scores a hat trick.
(1989) Penguins captain Mario Lemieux scores a hat trick in Chicago, tying the NHL record for most SHG in a season with Gretzky. [431]
(2003) Bayer opens it's newly expanded and modernized North American headquarters in suburban Robinson on Interstate 376.


March 13

(1923) Police respond to a $83,308ia robbery of Kappel's Jewelry 109 6th Street.[432]
(1948) A fire destroys Donora's Spragg Apartments, making 20 homeless.[433]
(1954) The Dukes make the 1st of back-to-back trips to the NIT title game, losing to Holy Cross by 5 baskets.
(1963) 13 Soviet VIPs visit as part of detente sponsored by the Institute of Soviet-American Relations.[434]
(1964) President Johnson visits downtown at 1:35, by 2:15 he is back at Pittsburgh International along with the governors of West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania to accompany him on Air Force One.
(1967) On I-70 at U.S. 40 a truck overturns releasing 1790 hogs.[435]
(1968) City Planner John Mauro revives a commitment for a Panther Hollow Expressway and a Saw Mill Run Expressway.[436]
(1981) The Panthers beat Idaho in the 1st round of the NCAA tournament on Dwayne Wallace's buzzer beater.
(1987) The Panthers notch their 1st 25 win season with a NCAA tournament victory over Marist.[437]
(1988) The Panthers seed #2 for the 1st time in the NCAA Tournament.[438]
(1993) The "Storm of the Century" hits with 4' of snow, breaking an 103 year old record with just short of 2 feet falling on this day.
(2004) Panthers clinch their 4th straight title game appearance with a win over Boston College.[439]
(2004) The Hill District's 131 year old Ebenezer Baptist Church, is destroyed by fire with 2 firefighters killed.
(2007) The Penguins announce the Consol Energy Center.
(2008) Pirates ace Paul Maholm strikes out Billy Crystal.


March 14

(1789) The city hosts its first Common Pleas court session.
(1901) A $112 millionia pension is created by Andrew Carnegie for U.S. Steel workers, one of the first in the world.
(1906) The "father" of Pittsburgh hockey, some say professional hockey, James Wallace Conant, dies mysteriously on a business trip to New York.[440]
(1907) A massive flood hits at 28 feet in downtown.[441]
(1953) The Hungarian Nationality Committee celebrates the installation of stained glass windows in the Hungary room at the Cathedral of Learning.[442]
(1968) The Port Authority takes posession of the last acre of property in South Park for its $16.7 billionia Skybus test track.[443]
(1972) After poor attendance at the Civic Arena the Condors play their second "suburban" home game at Connellsville attracting only 500 fans.[444]
(1985) Panthers star Charles Smith is named conference rookie of the year.[445]
(1997) Penguins star Joey Mullens becomes the 1st American to score 500 NHL goals.
(1997) The city hosts its 1st NCAA Men's Tournament over the next 3 days, with 4 games at the Civic Arena today.
(2003) The Panthers win their 3rd conference tournament championship.
(2008) Sen. Clinton speaks at a Little Italy gas station.[446]
(2008) The Panthers notch their 4th conference title.
(2012) The Cathedral of Learning at the Pitt is evacuated because of a bomb threat.[447]


March 15

(1902) The Frick Building opens.
(1907) Civil War purple heart winner Oliver Conklin, deaf and blind in one eye, is killed by a B&O switching engine in Butler while on a visit to his sons family. [448]
(1967) Announced as the world's 2nd largest skyscraper, the U.S. Steel Tower starts construction.
(1977) The Penguins set an all time NHL record scoring 4 seconds after being scored on.
(1979) George H.W. Bush visits Benedum Hall at Pitt.
(1981) All time rebound leader Sam Clancy plays his last game for the Panthers a tournament loss to UNC.[449]
(1983) Penguins GM/coach Baz Bastien dies in a car crash.
(1985) Mr. Belvedere starts it's 6 season run.
(1987) Jerome Lane becomes the Panthers 1st rebound per game NCAA champion as the team loses to Oklahoma in the tournament.[450]
(1989) A 134 seat film theater is added to the Convention Center.
(1992) Penguins star Rick Tocchet breaks his jaw but scores the game winner over Chicago. [451][452]
(1998) Benjamin Spock dies.
(2001) 286 room Rennaisance Hotel complete with 30 foot copper domed lobby, opens after a $60.7 millionia renovation of 95 year old Fulton Bldg.[453]
(2002) The Mellon Arena's 2nd NCAA Basketball Tournament starts with Cal v. Penn and the Panthers beating Central Connecticut.
(2002) UPTV_(University_of_Pittsburgh_Television) goes on the air.
(2003) The Panthers win their 1st Big East Tournament 74-56 over UConn as Julius Page is named MVP and Brandin Knight sets tourney records for assists and steals.[454]
(2008) The Panthers win their 2nd Big East Tournament 74-65 over Georgetown.
(2008) Sen. Clinton marches in the St. Patrick's Day Parade.[455]
(2012) Shell announces it will build a billion dollar refinery in Potter. [456]
(2012) The NCAA Tournament kicks off at CONSOL.


March 16

(1844) The Pittsburgh Catholic begins publication [457]
(1911) County Council celebrates as all bonds for the Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol, Rachel Carson, 16th Street, and 31st Street Bridges are officially paid off.
(1920) America formed its first USA Hockey team for Olympic play at the Duquesne Gardens; they would play several exhibition matches there before traveling to Antwerp for competition.[458]
(1931) Oakmont Country Club completes a $100,000 upgrade ($
{Inflation} - Amount must not have "." prefix: .1. 1.4 million today) to facilities in hopes of attracting both the U.S. Open and the amateur tour [459]
(1941) 40 people are killed in a train derailment on the Buckeye Express from Cleveland in what Federal officials call sabotage [460]
(1956) Pirates star Eddie O'Brien bunts into a triple play.
(1972) Pirates longtime manager, coach, and hall of fame player Pie Traynor dies as the city mourns.
(1974) The 25 win Panthers reach the Elite 8 for the 1st time in 33 seasons but lose to eventual champ NCState.[461]
(1976) The Stadium Authority approves the Pirates request to increase ticket and concession prices. [462]
(1981) Penguins star Greg Sheppard scores a hat trick for the team in Edmonton.
(1988) Steelers owner Dan Rooney saves instant replay.[463]
(1992) Commuters are stranded by a Port Authority strike; Mayor Masloff is reported to have picked up several commuters in her city limo to make up for the lack of subways, light rail and buses.
(1997) The city's first NCAA Basketball Tournament closes with the 5th and 6th games of the second round at the Civic Arena.
(2000) VP Gore visits, his first rally after winning the nomination. [464]
(2009) The city's first Hofbräuhaus opens at Southside Works.
(2011) The first Pitt baseball game is held at Charles L. Cost Field in the Petersen Sports Complex.


March 17

(1803) William Irwin places a notice in the Gazette, once again inviting "The Hibernians of Pittsburgh" to "a dinner and suitable entertainment" at his three-story brick tavern on Market Square. [465]
(1811) The first steamboat plies western waters. [466]
(1901) A fire destroys much of the Point, including the Winter Garden Hall, Keystones.
(1921) Magistrate Judge Succop surprises the Courthouse by arriving in a Limerick green bow-decorated car. [467]
(1931) $3 million ($41.7 million today) is allocated for the construction of the Grays Bridge.
(1933) 15 year old Giant Eagle incorporates. [468]
(1936) Regional flood controls fail as downtown is inudated with 34 feet of river water, in what will become known as the infamous St. Patrick's Day flood, claiming at least 150 lives. [469]
(1937) The St. Patrick's day flood devastates the city.[470]
(1941) The Center for the Arts is founded.
(1961) With owner and Irishman Bing Crosby in attendance the Pirates defend their World Championship with a 14-10 win over Milwaukee to the delight of Irishman Manager Murtaugh.
(1975) Native Bruno Sammartino takes on Spiros Arion in the WWE Championship which will later be named the Match of the Year.
(1986) Chevron transfers the lease of the suburban Gulf Labs to the University of Pittsburgh.
(1986) City Council approves a $21 million loan ($45.4 million today) for the Pirates, combining with local corporations to form the Pittsburgh Associates to prevent the team from relocating.
(1992) Penguins star Joey Mullen becomes the first American to score 400 points, beating Edmonton at the Igloo[471]
(2002) The city's second NCAA Basketball Tournament concludes at the Mellon Arena as the hometown Panthers beat Cal to advance.
(2006) The city mourns the death of native Leroy Irvis, the first African American Speaker of the House in any state or federal assembly.
(2009) Steelers patriarch and civic leader Dan Rooney is appointed Ambassador to Ireland.
(2012) After over 60 years downtown the Saks closes its doors for the last time. [472]
(2012) Vice President Biden visits the city to lead the St. Patrick's Day Parade.[473]


March 18


(1816) After 25 years as a borough, Pittsburgh reincorporates as a city.
(1831) The Washington & Pittsburgh Railroad is formed. [474]
(1848) West Penn Hospital is chartered.
(1887) Children's Hospital is incorporated.
(1902) Mayor Diehl presents the Pittsburgh Keystones with the championship cup at the Duquesne Gardens, it will be reviled months later that the squad is the world's 1st pro hockey team, in an era where amatuership ruled. [475]
(1916) The cornerstone of the new City Hall is laid.
(1930) The Panthers capture their 2nd National Title in 3 seasons with a 23-2 record.
(1936) During the 2nd day of the St. Patrick's Day flood the waters in downtown crest at 46.4'. [476]
(1947) The Ironmen win their last game, at Toronto. [477]
(1954) Laurie Short, the leader of the Australian Workers' Union visits for a 10 day tour.[478]
(1979) Penguins star Ron Stackhouse scores a hat trick for the team against the Rangers.
(1993) Penguins star Mario Lemieux scores a 4 goal hat trick against Washington at the Igloo. [479]
(1999) Pitt board of trustees vote to demolish Pitt Stadium.[480]
(2003) Penguins star Martin Straka scores his 500th point, a goal against Detroit at the Igloo.
(2005) The 7th Street Bridge is officially renamed in honor of native Andy Warhol. The bridge leads downtown traffic to the Andy Warhol Museum.
(2009) Dukes star Aaron Jackson scores 40 in the second half of an NIT Tournament loss to Virginia Tech. [481]


March 19

(1864) The 118 Confederate prisoners held at Western Penitentiary since July 1863, and many captured on Morgan's raid on the city, are transferred to New Jersey for release. [482]
(1883) The Smithfield Street Bridge opens to traffic, it is the world's first Lenticular Truss bridge for non-rail traffic.
(1936) The downtown area suffers from a third day of infamous St. Patrick's Day flood with waters receding to "only" 32 feet.
(1955) In their second straight trip to the NIT Title Game, the Dukes capture the title 70-58 over Dayton.
(1967) H. J. Heinz II purchases the storied Penn Theater in the Cultural District, once modernized it will become home for the Pittsburgh Symphony as Heinz Hall.
(1972) The Pirates compete a 3 game series with the Reds in Venezuela.
(1976) World tabloids run wild with the city as the dateline as both daughters of banking heir Seward Mellon are kidnapped in a custody dispute.
(1983) 8,000 show up to the City Hall in response to 170 "city emergency employment program" cleaning jobs to last six months available from the citys sale of one mellon center. [483][484]
(1988) Panthers star Charles Smith scores 31 in a win over Eastern Michigan in the NCAA Tournament, his 2,000th career point. [485]
(1999) David Lawrence named 2nd best U.S. mayor.[486]
(2004) CMU announces its largest gift to that time, $69.5 millionia from David Tepper.[487]
(2006) The Igloo witnesses NHL history as the Penguins lose a game thats only score is a penalty shot goal, the first time in over 70 years.
(2012) For the second time in as many weeks the Cathedral of Learning is evacuated at the University of Pittsburgh because of a bomb threat.[488]


March 20


(1839) Shreveport is founded in honor of Henry Shreve.
(1842) Charles Dickens & wife visit for 3 days of tours.
(1893) George Washington Ferris breaks ground on the original Ferris Wheel for the Columbian Expo.
(1912) Cyrus Woods assumes his post as Ambassador to Portugal, beginning his 22 year career as a diplomat.[489]
(1926) The city hosts its 1st NHL playoff game as the Pirates fall to Montreal 1-3.
(1936) A false report that the St. Patrick's day flood aftermath has caused the 16th St. Bridge to collapse in surging waters prompts Police Chief Jacob Dorsey to close all bridges until they are inspected.[490]
(1955) On its 2nd straight trip to the title game the Dukes beat Dayton to win the NIT crown.
(1961) The Ford Foundation announces a large gift to CMU's drama program in recognition of how it "Raise[s] standards of American theater".
(1964) Don Knotts hosts the premier of The Incredible Mr. Limpet at Morgantown's historic Warner Theatre.
(1973) For the 1st time the MLB Hall of Fame waives the five-year waiting period and elects Pirates legend Roberto Clemente to the Hall of Fame.
(1973) Pittsburgh Press Co. v. Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations
(1973) Steelers star lineman Ernie Holmes is arrested on the Turnpike after several shotgun shots are fired by him (some at a State Police helicopter) in a bizarre road rage shooting.
(1988) Panthers star Charles Smith becomes the all time points leader for the program scoring his 2,045th point with 20 and 10 rebounds in a loss to Vanderbilt in OT in the NCAA Tournament.[491]
(1993) Penguins star Mario Lemieux scores four goals in back-to-back games, March 18 vs. Washington and today vs. Philadelphia; the second player in club history to do so, and both at the Igloo.[492]
(1996) The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's planned ISMETT branch is approved by the Italian government.
(1998) Phipps Conservatory announces a $43.4 millionia expansion in Schenley Park.
(2005) Port Authority starts operating their 1st 6 hybrid busses.[493]
(2012) The Montour Trail completes it's connection to Pittsburgh International.[494]


March 21

(1864) Fresh off his appointment as the General of the Army, US Grant visits on his way to take command in Washington.
(1904) The historic Virgin Alley--a name the French gave to the path to the sacred Trinity Churchyard from Fort Duquesne is renamed in honor of Henry Oliver.
(1936) Five days after the infamous St. Patrick's Day flood international media note how radio listeners as far away as Perth, Australia are concerned that KDKA shortwave as well as other powerful radio stations in the city have been off the air for days. [495]
(1940) The Dukes lose their only NCAA Final Four, a 5 basket loss to Indiana.
(1941) The Panthers beat North Carolina to advance to their 1st Final Four.
(1973) Godspell the movie based on the play created by CMU alumni and produced at the university for its first year, opens nationwide.
(1985) HH Robertson files a restraining order in Federal Court against corporate raider Samuel Belzberg. [496]
(1986) The Pittsburgh Associates buys the Pirates for $471 millionia.[497]
(1991) The Zambelli Foundation is created.[498]
(1991) Pittsburgh International chooses to negotiate with BAA for the Airmall concept.[499] and announces plans for a 11 gate, 1,200 passengers/hour $30 million International wing expansion.[500]
(1998) The Penguins win their 1,000th regular season game (as only the 10th team) as Ron Francis notches his 1,000th NHL assist 4-3 v the Flyers at the Igloo. Both Francis and Jaromir Jagr score a goal and assist each as Tom Barrasso saves 22.
(2002) Pitt makes the sweet 16 for the 1st time in 27 seasons--thier 1st of 3 straight but loss to Kent state in OT.[501]
(2004) The Panthers clinch their 3rd straight Sweet Sixteen appearance with a 2 basket win in Milwaukee over Wisconsin.[502]
(2012) The Panthers reach the CBI Finals.


March 22

(1824) On his 3rd day in the city Charles Dickens visits West Pen using it as inspiration for his classic A Christmas Carol.
(1859) The city's 1st street car line begins operations from downtown's Market & 5th to Lawrenceville.[503]
(1912) A flood crests at 28' at the Forks.
(1940) William Patrick Hitler speaks against fascism in the city.[504]
(1941) The Panthers lose in the Final Four with a team that will not only all graduate but will all serve in World War II, the 2nd straight year the city enjoys a Final Four team after the Dukes contended in 1940.
(1946) An industrial fire destroys historic Wabash Terminal & other structures at the Forks, the last obstacles for Point State Park development.
(1968) Donald Parsons purchases 80% of the Penguins.[505]
(1992) At Detroit Penguins star Mario Lemieux scores his 1,000th point--the 2nd fastest to ever reach the milestone.
(2000) RAND announces that the city will be the site of its new Eastern home beating out Miami & Minneapolis among others, staffing 200 at its CMU offices.[506]
(2006) Downtown makes world news as as well as the late night comedy shows as police shutdown streets and evacuate over what turns out to be a maintenance man shooting pigeons with a BB gun. [507]
(2010) Dr. Mike Emrick, who got his start in the business in the city, announces his historic 3,000th hockey broadcast, a national telecast of his hometown Penguins taking on the Redwings in Detroit.
(2012) The Cathedral of Learning is evacuated for the third time in two weeks because of a bomb threat. [508]


March 23

(1960) $1.36 billionia is announced by the University of Pittsburgh in its expansion plans for the decade.
(1984) Caliguri testifies.[509]
(1984) Clyde Vaughan is the 1st Panther to score his 2,000th career point in a Fitzgerald Field House NIT loss to Notre Dame. [510]
(2003) panthers clinch their 2nd straight sweet 16 berth with a 74-52 crushing of Indiana.[511]
(2009) The Steelers announce that hall-of-fame player John Stallworth as well as the Haslam family (owners of the Pilot Corporation and boasting the current governor of Tennessee), among others will become minority owners alongside the Rooney family.
(2009) The Pittsburgh Police are featured on the Military Channel's Top Sniper 2 program [512]
(2011) The city is socked by a major storm bringing hail and high winds, while in the eastern suburbs an F2 Tornado strikes.[513]
(2012) The Giant Eagle Foundation is created.[514]


March 24

(1849) The PCC&S RR is founded.[515]
(1855) Judge Mellon announces the birth of Andrew Mellon in E. Liberty.
(1868) The Lawrenceville Gas Co. is founded.[516]
(1917) The Winter Garden hosts war hero and Hall of Famer Hobey Baker in his last ever game.
(1937) The Hornets play their 1st playoff game a 1-4 loss to Syracuse.[517]
(1966) RIDC president Rob Ryan formally invites the NYSE to relocate to the city.[518]
(1971) Penguins star Duane Rupp scores a hat trick v Detroit at the Igloo.
(1972) After poor Civic Arena attendance the Condors play their 3rd neutral site home game, their 1st outside the metro area, losing to Kentucky at Birmingham, Alabama.[519]
(1974) Penguins star "Battleship Bob" Kelly scores a hat trick v Detroit at the Igloo.
(1976) Jean Pronovost becomes the 1st Penguin to score 50 goals a season as Pierre Larouche becomes the 1st to 100 pts. in a 5-5 tie v Boston.
(1989) An Ambridge Catholic congregation (including a State Trooper and 2 attorneys) claims that a crucifix has blinked during Good Friday.[520]
(1990) Mayor Masloff hosts 800 at the rededication of the PghArts Marshall Building.
(1999) The oldest U.S. glass factory (1806) closes in Millvale laying off 300. [521]
(2001) The Mellon Arena hosts the 1st round of the Women's NCAA Tournament.[522]
(2005) VP Cheney visits LaRoche College.[523]
(2006) President Bush arrives at Pittsburgh International to visit Sewickley.[524]


March 25

(1818) The first and last execution ordered by Allegheny County takes place with a hanging, several earlier ones were ordered in the city by now suburban Westmoreland County.[525]
(1896) The city's first toll-free bridge is completed, the 22nd Street Bridge over the Monongahela.[526]
(1956) Hornets star Bob Solinger scores :08 into overtime to set an AHL record for the fastest end to an overtime game. [527]
(1968) The Civic Arena crowd goes wild as the Pipers beat the Indiana Pacers in their first ever playoff game.
(1976) Jean Pronovost sets a Penguins record for the fastest shot to start a game (and a period) scoring 7 seconds in.
(1989) Igloo crowd goes wild as Penguins hall of famer Mario Lemieux scores a hat trick against the Devils.
(1990) After a complete modernization the Gulf Tower pyramid, the downtown skyscraper is fully illuminated for the first time since the 1970's.
(1991) The Shriners vote to sell the Syria Mosque for $17.8 millionia
(2001) The Pittsburgh Film Office's first annual “Lights! Glamour! Action!” Gala kicks off at the suburban Loews Waterfront Theater.
(2004) The Panthers lose to Oklahoma in their 3rd straight sweet sixteen as Jaime Dixon 31 wins goes down as 3rd best for any rookie head coach in history.[528]
(2008) Sen. Clinton visits Pitt Greensburg.[529]


March 26

(1803) A public meeting is held for the formation of the area's 1st bank.
(1836) City Council formalizes the night watchmen into the Pittsburgh Police bureau and establishes ranks and command structure for the unit.
(1937) 13 die after a TWA flight crashes on approach to Allegheny Airport after severe icing cripples the plane.[530]
(1938) At a ceremony at the William Penn Hotel 600 civic leaders were informed that the Forks of the Ohio and Fort Pitt had been chosen as the site for a federal historic monument.
(1947) The Ironmen play their last game, a Duquesne Gardens loss to the Celtics.[531]
(1951) Mayor Lawrence announces to Council plans for a third major redevelopment program -- the clearance of 100 acres of slums in the lower Hill District, construction of a public arena and 30 acres of housing. [532]
(1953) Dr. Salk announces from his University of Pittsburgh labs that his new polio vaccine tested successfully on the 1st 90 patients.
(1956) An S-2 Tracker ditches in the Monongahela near Masontown, after radioing Pittsburgh International it was having problems with wings icing over in an early morning snowstorm. Rescue efforts to locate all three crew members take hours because of the severe weather.[533]
(1963) The Hornets finally win after losing an AHL record 22 straight games, tying 1, beating Hershey.[534]
(1965) The initial game of the Roundball Classic tips off at the Civic Arena.
(1972) The Condors play their last game in the city before folding, a 131-130 victory over Julius Erving's Virginia at the Civic Arena. [535]
(1986) Paul Evans is named Panthers coach.[536]
(1987) In it's 50th Anniversary year the Tamburitzans fire their director in a university shakeup. [537]
(1991) Penguins hall of famer Mario Lemieux scores a hat trick in Philadelphia.
(1996) The Igloo crowd goes wild as Mario Lemieux scores the fourth 5 goal game of his career with the Penguins against St. Louis, his 37th hat trick.
(2001) The city hosts the second round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at the Mellon Arena. [538]
(2007) Microsoft gifts $1.73 millionia to create the Center for Computational Thinking at CMU.[539][540]
(2010) Weather Underground leader and controversial President Obama associate, Bill Ayers, visits the William Pitt Union. [541]


March 27

(1928) The Liberty Bridge is dedicated and opened to the public.
(1937) The Hornets play their second playoff game, their 1st playoff win, 4-1 v Syracuse.[542]
(1954) Laurence Short the Australian Federated [543] concludes a 10 day visit of the city.[544]
(1968) With their 3rd straight win v the Indiana Pacers the Pipers claim the city's 1st pro-basketball playoff series.
(1974) Penguins hall of famer Lowell MacDonald scores a hat trick in Minnesota.
(1980) The $320 millionia One Mellon Center is announced.[545]
(1982) Pitt gymnast Lisa Shirk wins the NCAA gymnastics uneven bar national championship.
(1984) Vice President Mondale visits the regional AFL-CIO convention at the Hilton.[546]
(1984) Francois Mitterrand complete with 17 car motorcade visits CMU [547]
(1991) With their 41st win of the season the Penguins claim their 1st division title with a 7-4 win v Detroit.
(2008) President Bush arrives at Pittsburgh International for an award presentation visit to Sewickley and a fundraiser in Sewickley Heights.[548]
(2009) The Panthers reach the Elite Eight for the 1st time since 1975.
(2011) The Penguins break the NHL record for most consecutive shoot-out wins with their 4th on the stick of Alexei Kovalev to the delight of the CONSOL crowd.[549]


March 28

(1778)[550]
(1932) The "Snodgrass-Herron" plan for a $84.1 millionia downtown subway to relieve congestion is presented to Council.
(1940) In their 1st of 7 trips to the finals the Hornets are swept for the Calder Cup.
(1972) After poor attendance at the Civic Arena the Condors play the last "home game" in franchise history--at Tucson, Arizona.[551]
(1979) The Igloo crowd goes wild as Penguins star Greg Malone scores a hat trick v the Rangers.
(1980) Roy Chipman is introduced as Panthers coach.[552]
(1992) The Penguins win their 2nd straight Patrick Division title with a 4-1 victory at Washington.
(1997) The UPMC launches it's Italian affilate ISMETT.
(2001) The Allegheny Trail Alliance announces plans for a 204 mi. bike/hike trail to Washington, D.C. to be called the Great Allegheny Passage.
(2007) Highmark announces plans to merge with Independence Blue Cross/Blue Shield.


March 29

(1957) Fitzgerald Field House opens as host for the NCAA Wrestling Team Championship.[553]
(1962) The Rens delight the Civic Arena crowd playing in the city's first playoff basketball game--an overtime loss to San Francisco. [554]
(1984) Penguins star Mark Taylor scores a hat trick at the Rangers.
(1997) The Penguins become the first NHL team to have a 400, 500, and 600 goal milestones in the same season as Ron Francis reaches the 400 goal plateau, Lemuiex and Mullen having made the other milestones within the last two months.[555]
(2010) In the middle of the workday downtown crowds are stunned when a man leaps to his death from the roof of One Mellon Center. [556]
(2012) President Obama lands at Pittsburgh International for a 2 day visit.[557]


March 30

(1763) Fort Pitt opens its gates to hundreds of settlers as Pontiac's War spreads destruction and attacks down the Ohio.
(1889) The world's 1st Carnegie Library is dedicated at Braddock.[558].
(1942) Police order 30 types of magazines off newsstands as salacious. [559]
(1963) Fitzgerald Field House opens as host for the NCAA Men's Gymnastics championship.
(1977) VW meeting at Westmoreland County Community College.[560]
(1978) Over $655 millionia is authorized for phase 1 of the MLK Jr. Busway.
(1981) Ofc. Delahanty is wounded as a hero as Agent in Charge Trainor coordinates the response and acts quickly to get medical attention during the assassination attempt on President Reagan.[561]
(1989) Penguins star Mario Lemieux scores a 4 goal hat trick against Hartford at the Igloo, setting the current NHL record for shorthanded goals in a season.[562]
(2012) The Panthers win the CBI National Championship at the Pete.
(2012) President Obama concludes his 2 day visit in Lawrenceville.[563]


March 31

(1836) The Monongahela Navigation Company is chartered and begins construction of locks and dams.
(1903) A steel mill furnance in suburban Braddock explodes. [564]
(1918) Daylight Savings Time, promoted by native Robert Garland takes effect for the first time in world history.
(1921) Eberly Hall, then called Alumni Hall, is dedicated.
(1924) The University of Pittsburgh radio studio of KDKA is opened in State Hall.
(1933) Mayor Kline, described as a "defeated and broken man," resigns after seven years in office, Council President Herron becomes Mayor.
(1939) The University of Pittsburgh opens its Yugoslav Nationality Room in the Cathedral of Learning.
(1956) The Hornets play their last game at the Duquesne Gardens [565]
(1958) Mayor Lawrence and Governor George M. Leader set off a charge on the Southshore that starts excavation for the Fort Pitt Tunnel.
(1963) Fitzgerald Field House crowns the winners of the NCAA Men's Gymnastics championship, as national press attends.
(1981) New Stanton plant manufactures it's 500,000th car.
(1990) A landslide ruptures transmission lines in suburban Freeport spilling an estimated 75,600 gallons of gas into the Allegheny.
(2012) The last panels are removed in the demolition of the 51 year old Igloo.


[edit]
April
April 1


(1901) U.S. Steel announces from its Fifth Ave. headquarters the formation of the world's first billion-dollar corporation, capitalized at $1.42 billion ($39.67 billion today).
(1910) The 25-floor Oliver Building opens to tenants.
(1918) Native Robert Garland is celebrated as the force behind implementing national daylight savings time, taking effect for the first time.
(1954) WQED, begins broadcasting as the first community-sponsored station in the nation, and the city's 5th.
(1956) A TWA flight taking off from Pittsburgh International crashes minutes after takeoff, killing 22. [566]
(1969) Airport Gets Welfare Workers Face New Menu State Anti
(1979) The Pirate Parrot debuts in a Three Rivers "hatching".
(1985) After a contentious merger/buyout by Chevron facilitated by T. Boone Pickens, locally based Gulf Oil announces the gift of Gulf Labs to the Pitt.
(1987) The Pirates officially end the era of their World Series championships by trading fan favorite Tony Pena to St. Louis for Andy Van Slyke, Mike LaValliere and Mike Dunne, the core would win three straight NL Championship Series in the 1990s.
(1993) The Igloo crowd goes wild as Penguins hall of famer Rick Tocchett scores a hat trick against Hartford.
(1996) CMU's Lycos goes public at $4/share ($6.1 today).[567]
(2005) The Phipps Conservatory opens its brand new welcome center complex in Schenley Park.
(2011) Neil Walker hits an opening day grand slam at Wrigley Field.


April 2

(1754) Washington leaves Virginia en route with 1,867 men to meet at Ft. Neccsity.
(1872) The city annexes the modern day neighborhoods of Allentown, St. Clair, Lawrenceville, West End, Southside and Mt. Washington.
(1949) Pittsburgh Police respond to a riot after 250 communist party members are provoked by an angry crowd in the Northside.
(1987) Mellon Financial announces its 1st ever quarterly loss and dividend reduction after huge losses in American oil and Brazil loans.[568]
(1988) Penguins hall of famer Mario Lemuiex scores a hat trick in Washington.
(1989) The Grateful Dead begin recording the two day concert at the Civic Arena for Grateful Dead Download Series Volume 9.
(1993) Pitt officially opens the Center for Biotechnology and Bioengineering on the former J&L Steel site.
(1996) At City Hall Robert McNeilly is sworn in as the new police chief, he will be the longest tenured chief in modern history and modernize the force.
(2000) Nearby Somerset County announces the construction of ten electrical generation windmills.
(2003) U.S. Steel announces it will become the largest steel maker in Eastern Europe with its purchase of Sertid.


April 3

(1769) A land office in Philadelphia opens at 10 am to sell 100 acres at 5 pounds sterling west of the mountains. (L)
(1891) City Council approves the choice of Schenley Park for the location of the new Carnegie Library, Hall and Museums.
(1905) Carnegie Mellon University breaks ground on the first buildings of its new campus in Squirrel Hill.
(1951) Pennsylvania Railroad Freight Terminal & Warehouse is dedicated with Mayor Lawrence in attendance [569]
(1960) A partial meltdown in suburban [570]
(1978) The first Volkswagen rolls off at New Staton, the first foreign owned plant in the U.S.
(1985) It's reported that Sunbeam gifts $100,000 to the Opera, with a pledge to raise $400,000 more in the next two seasons. [571]
(1989) Pittsburgh Police respond as more than 500 Grateful Dead fans riot after a concert at Civic Arena, making national news and featured by MTV News. The band would later release the Grateful Dead Download Series Volume 9 a complete recording of the two day concert.
(1993) With a 5-3 win in Quebec, the Penguins secure their first President's Trophy. [572]
(1994) A Wheeling 17 year old is hospitalized after being gang raped by as many as 9 men in Boydsville, Ohio.[573]
(1995) The ALCOA sign becomes the Bayer sign [574]
(2006) The University of Pittsburgh and area sports fans honor Marshall Goldberg, Pitt's first Heisman Trophy candidate and a national championship and Rose Bowl winner in 1939, upon news of his death.


April 4


(1894) Hundreds of unemployed, known as Coxey's Army, march through the city en route to Washington to protest the Panic of 1893.
(1899) The Duquesne Brewing Company is founded in the city.
(1972) Cyclops Steel diversifies into home improvement, buying the Busy Beaver chain, [575] which it will retain until being merged in 1987.
(1979) The Pittsburgh Volkswagen Plant, the first foreign plant in the U.S., announces that 3,500 will be laid off due to the economy and oil embargo.
(1980) First Lady Carter visits suburban Latrobe and Jeannette, where she takes a factory tour of employee-owned Jeanette Sheet Glass Company.
(1987) Mayor Caliguiri seeks funding for a major expansion of the six-year-old David L. Lawrence Convention Center, increasing its exhibit space by 50% and doubling its meeting space; the proposal will wait another decade before groundbreaking.
(1991) The region mourns as long time and popular U.S. Senator H. John Heinz III dies in a plane crash outside of Philadelphia.
(2009) Police shootout results in the second-deadliest attack on U.S. law enforcement, killing three officers and wounding two others, since the September 11 attacks.


April 5

(1754) Claude-Pierre Pecaudy de Contrecœur to relieve Saint-Pierre during the same period, and Contrecœur led 500 men south from Fort Venango on this day bound for the forks, Contrecœur generously allowed Trent's small company to withdraw.
(1832) Pennsylvania's first orphanage is chartered in the city.
(1837) First street lamps by gas in the city.[576]
(1897) RAILROAD BRIDGE COLLAPSES. A FIREMAN KILLED AND AN ENGINEER FATALLY WOUNDED. The wooden span of the north end approach to the Ohio Connecting Railroad Bridge collapsed about 6 o'clock this morning, while a freight train was crossing, and the engine and thirteen cars were precipitated to McClure Avenue fifty feet below. Fireman WILLIAM HAGGERTY was killed instantly, and Engineer WILLIAM GRAHAM so badly injured that he cannot recover. The engine was completely wrecked, and the cars, which were loaded with coal and iron, were entirely demolished. The loss will be very heavy. The Ohio Connecting Bridge crosses the Ohio River at Wood's Run, and connects the Pan Handle and Fort Wayne Roads of the Pennsylvania Company.[577]
(1901) Philander Knox becomes U.S. Attorney General.
(1916) The city makes national news as the center of a dealership led boycott of Standard Oil's predatory pricing. Auto dealers ask that customers boycott the oil giant due to gouging.[578]
(1924) The Yellowjackets win their 1st of two straight championships at the Duquesne Gardens behind Stanley Cup-winning coach Dick Carroll, and hall of famers Lionel Conacher and Roy Worters.
(1964) The Igloo hosts its first playoff game a Hornets loss to Quebec.[579]
(1966) The CCAC announces its first president and the site of its main campus—monument hill on the Northside.
(1966) The New York Stock Exchange responds to the RIDC's invitation to relocate to Pittsburgh, promising that the city is under consideration.[580]
(1968) Police respond to looting and arson reports a day after the Martin Luther King Jr. assassination.
(1978) Eddie DeBartolo becomes the majority owner of the Penguins, having purchased ⅓ of the franchise the year before.[581]
(1984) The nation tunes into the Democratic Party primary debate live from the Convention Center, as Vice President Mondale visits a reception later that night at the William Penn.[582]
(1995) Myron Cope signs off for the last time on his WTAE show; he continues as the color commentator for the Steelers.
(2005) Meadowcroft Rockshelter is designated a National Historic Landmark.
(2012) The Penguins record their 250th straight sellout as they battle the Rangers at CONSOL for the Presidents Trophy.[583]


April 6

(1818) The growing city has a dubious first, as the Farmers and Mechanics bank is robbed of $100,000 ($
{Inflation} - Amount must not have "." prefix: .1. 1.5 million today) in notes and $3,000 in gold & silver ($44 thousand today) including a 1790 gold medal presented by Congress to the bank clerks grandfather General Daniel Morgan. the culprits are later caught. [584]
(1837) Pittsburgh installs its first manufactured gas lamps throughout streets and bridges.
(1845) The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_(Bickertonite) founded in the city.
(1909) World press announce that Adm. Peary is the 1st to reach the North Pole.
(1920) The 1st USA Hockey team leaves the city for competition at Antwerp. [585]
(1942) 300,000 turn out to honor 35,000 marchers in an "Army Day" parade through downtown.
(1960) UNITED STATES STEEL COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY is founded.[586]
(1983) Mellon completes its purchase of Girard Bank.[587]
(1983) President Reagan visits for 2 speeches (one to donors and one addressing the "Conference of Dislocated Workers") at the Pittsburgh Hilton and a speech to jobseekers at Control Data on the Northside[588][589]
(1984) VP Mondale and other Democratic challengers continue their visit for the second day of a nationally televised primary debate at the Convention Center.
(1989) The Pirates open the 3rd game of the year with high expectations coming off their 1st winning season in the previous 5 but suffer a string of long injuries to key players: 34 saves ace Jim Gott blowing out his elbow on this day, Andy Van Slyke and Sid Bream two days later and Mike LaValliere in the next 10 days, all against Montreal. [590]
(1992) The twenty-fourth foreign leader to visit the city, Prime Minister Thatcher speaks at the Convention Center.
(2002) A five month long complete reconstruction of outbound Fort Pitt Bridge and Fort Pitt Tunnel begins, closing I-376.[591]
(2008) Obama cling to guns and religion [592]
(2012) No ribs for Flyers [593]
(2013) Bruno Sammartino [594].


April 7

(1825) The Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is founded on the Northside.
(1933) Thousands open the taps throughout the city at exactly 12:01 AM, the first phase of the end of prohibition, when the commonwealth allows ⅗ths beer. [595]
(1936) Wife of Newark Mayor Ellenstein dies in a Fayette County plane crash. [596][597]
(1949) Washington Airport opens. [598]
(1968) With violence and looting breaking out in every U.S. city due to the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. two days earlier, the Police receive curfew orders until April 11 from Mayor Barr at City Hall.
(1974) Penguins goalie Andy Brown is the last of the "ironmen netminders", the last NHL player not to wear a mask.
(1980) As the Pennsylvania Primary heats up both Jeb Bush and Jack Carter visit to campaign.
(1985) Mario Lemieux becomes the 3rd rookie in NHL history to score his 100th point.
(1993) Armco Steel announces it will move its headquarters to the city. [599]
(1993) Penguins star Rick Tocchet scores a hat trick v Montreal at the Igloo.
(1999) PNC Park has its official groundbreaking with a "block party" for fans to celebrate as the Sixth Street Bridge is officially renamed the Roberto Clemente bridge.
(2001) The Pirates unveil the Willie Stargell statue outside the gates of PNC Park.
(2007) Penguins star Evgeni Malkin scores his 85th point, becoming the 1st rookie to win the Art Ross Trophy, the 1st since the 1960 Chicago team, and the 1st rookie scoring leader for Pittsburgh since Mario Lemieux. [600]


April 8

(1835) Council approves plans for the city's first gas works.
(1868) The Citizens Oil Company is founded. [601]
(1893) The world's first College Basketball game tips off in suburban Beaver as Geneva College defeats New Brighton. [602]
(1896) Westinghouse headquarters is destroyed by fire but will be rebuilt.
(1952) In order to avoid a massive strike, President Truman orders all steel mills seized from management allowing the United Steelworkers to call off a scheduled strike. [603]
(1957) Carnegie Mellon University begins a $26 million expansion ($222.3 million today).
(1969) The Pirates go a NL opening-day record 14 innings beating St. Louis 6-2, tying their own 1958 record. [604]
(1970) The first NHL playoff game in the city since 1927 sees the Penguins win 2-1 at the Igloo.
(1980) Senator Kennedy visits the Cyclops Steel works in suburban Bridgeville, accusing President Carter of abandoning the tariffs for the industry.
(2001) Pirates slugger Aramis Ramírez hits three homers in a single game. [605]
(2008) Dr. Wecht is free to go after his charges of corruption ends with a mistrial.


April 9

(1744) Captain John Armstrong is killed in the battle of Jack's Narrows.[606]
(1920) The 21-year-old, and recently obsolete hockey and exhibition center Winter Garden is announced to be sold to the city, as use for the auto pound. [607]
(1967) The Carnegie Institute announces a major donation from the Scaife family in its expansion fundraiser.
(1986) With the region still suffering the collapse of the steel industry, National Steel announces layoffs of 3,500 for the area.
(1991) The "West Virginia Derecho" hits the region with high winds and gusts, causing millions in damage and several injuries.
(1993) Mario Lemieux scores the third 5-goal game of his career as the Penguins set a league record for the longest winning streak in NHL history with their 16th consecutive win, a 10–4 victory over the Rangers. Hall of Famer Joe Mullen also scores a hat trick in the game.
(1999) Pirates pitcher Kris Benson beats Chicago, becoming the first #1 pick to win his first game in the National League, overall the first in 25 seasons and the second overall.
(2001) The Pirates host the first game at PNC Park, a loss to the Reds, as news breaks that Hall of Famer and World Series MVP Willie Stargell has died.
(2007) The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center announces it will move its headquarters operations to the U.S. Steel Tower in downtown.
(2011) National media report on Pittsburgh Police tazing an unruly Pirates fan during the teams loss to Colorado at PNC Park.


April 10


(1806) The Forks of the Ohio flood to 37.1 feet.
(1845) An icehouse fire at 2nd and Ferry rages into the Great Fire of 1845 burning 20 blocks--a third of the city--destroying 985 buildings and causing over $8 million in damage ($199.5 million today).
(1924) Cal Rodgers, the first man to fly trans-continent and a city native, is announced as the namesake for the county's first airport.
(1928) World press report that the city's Federal Court uncovers KKK influence in Niles, Ohio riots and infiltration in the Ohio county's police. [608]
(1955) The Hornets win their 2nd Calder Cup v Buffalo 4-2 in Game 6.
(1962) Pirates star Roberto Clemente hits an opening day grand slam.
(1967) Rostraver Airport opens. [609]
(1971) In the 99th such NL game Pirates star Willie Stargell hits 3 homers for the 3rd time. [610]
(1976) The Pirates play Philadelphia, replacing Bob Prince with Milo Hamilton, the only team in sports history to have back-to-back hall of famers broadcasting.
(1978) Tres Sec. Blumenthaul and Gov Shapp visit VW dedicates the New Stanton plant with its first completed car, a week after opening. [611][612]
(1980) Both Gov. Reagan and George Bush visit the "annual GOP spring dinner" in Westmoreland County.
(1992) Penguin fans rejoice as the NHL strike is resolved.
(1993) At the Igloo the Penguins set an all-time NHL record 17-0, 4-2 v the Rangers.
(2002) Carnegie Museums announces a $37 million ($48.6 million today) renovation.
(2005) Pitt hosts a celebration of 50 years of Jonas Salk and his polio vaccine.
(2006) National headlines spotlight the city as only 100 come out to protest for immigration reform. [613]


April 11

(1713) The Treaty of Utrecht removes French forces from the shores of Ontario and Erie, putting the Forks of the Ohio in play for colonists.(L)
(1907) 20,000 attend as Andrew Carnegie dedicates CMU.
(1921) The world's 1st broadcast of a sporting event--a 10 round boxing match--goes on the air from Motor Square Garden via KDKA.
(1925) The Yellowjackets repeat as champs behind Stanley Cup winning coach Dick Carroll, and hall of famers Lionel Conacher and Roy Worters.
(1936) The Americans are granted a franchise.
(1948) Jock Sutherland dies at 59.
(1962) Roberto Clemente hits a grand slam at Forbes Field as Don Hoak also homers as the Pirates beat the Phillies.
(1970) Penguins star Ken Schinkel scores the city's 1st NHL playoff hat-trick in a 5-2 victory.
(1977) City Council president Richard Caliguiri is sworn in as mayor at City Hall as Mayor Flaherty resigns to become Deputy Attorney General.
(1984) PPG Place's 6 tower complex, hailed by one critic as: "one of the most ambitious . . . urban developments since Rockefeller Center" has its official dedication.
(1986) Ed Debartolo announces he will fold the Spirit after 9 seasons at the Civic Arena.[614]
(1992) The last Roundball Classic tips off at the Civic Arena.
(1994) Tom Barrasso shuts out Ottawa, 4-0, as the Penguins win the 1st ever Northeast Division title.
(1996) The Penguins record their 1,000th win 5-3 at Ottawa with Mario Lemieux scoring a goal and assist, Petr Nedved with 3 assists, and Tom Barrasso stopping 18.
(2007) Demolition begins for the Consol Energy Center.
(2008) Pittsburgh International agrees to loan their Alexander Calder to the Palazzo delle Esposizioni. [615]
(2008) Obama's cling to guns and religion is released by the Huffington Post. [616]
(2013) The Frozen Four drops puck at Consol.


April 12


(1861) Messengers are "running hither and thither, keeping up communications with the various printing offices, the telegraph office, and other sources of correct information." as Fort Sumter news shocks the city with dispatches read between plays at the Wood Street Pittsburgh Theater. "At the close, a patriotic individual arose in the audience, exclaiming, 'I'm a democrat! But three cheers for Major Anderson!" [617]
(1867) The Monongahela Incline is chartered.
(1900) A 4 floor brick building at 2nd and Wood collapses burying several as rescue crews recover 3 dead and 6 injured. [618]
(1935) The Monongahela House Hotel, home to several Presidents and other dignateries, as well as the founding convention of the Republican Party, closes its doors for the last time.
(1937) NLRB v. J&L Steel is decided.
(1945) President Roosevelt dies as wives at the Penn Hotel's ballroom burst into tears and buses and trolleys pause for a moment of silence as many businesses close. [619]
(1955) Successful polio vaccine results are announced by Jonas Salk.
(1966) The Pirates win 3-2, beating the Atlanta Braves in their--and the South's--1st ever game.
(1970) A month before his fatal car crash Penguins rookie Michel Brière scores the teams 1st OT goal, clinching the city's 1st NHL playoff series victory. [620]
(1980) Ted Stepien buys the Cavaliers.[621]
(1995) DE announces they will be 1st major ticket seller to go online. [622]
(2002) The Mon-Fay opens segments connecting Jefferson Hills to West Virginia.
(2007) Falconi Field is renamed for CONSOL.
(2009) Ambridge's Rader family receive a call that their dog's son Bo is the new White House "First Dog".[623]


April 13

(1904) Wabash Station, later to be named a city landmark, is opened for service near the Point; it will be demolished in 1954 to make way for the Gateway Center complex.
(1916) Pirates ace Babe Adams pitches a 1 hitter.
(1934) Norvelt is dedicated as the nation's 4th NIRA community.
(1935) Going for its 3rd national title in 7 seasons, the Panthers lose by just 2 baskets to LSU in the American Legion national title game in Atlantic City. Pitt however captures its 4th straight Eastern Conference Crown.
(1953) Perle Mesta retires after 4 years as U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg. [624]
(1982) Qube TV makes Pittsburgh the 1st with 80+ channels with Christopher Reeve on hand and Mayor Caliguri interactive with 519 responding 3rd "wired" city, $41 million.[625]
(1984) Terry Hart lands with his Challenger mission after an 8 day mission.
(1986) Root Sports is on the air for the 1st time with the broadcast of the Pirates 8–0 win against the Cubs at Three Rivers, along with Mike Lange's 1st baseball announcing. The station is one of the 1st all-sports local channels in the world and the city's 10th. [626]
(1991) In a play that legend has named "the Save", back-up goalie Frank Pietrangelo makes a diving grab to salvage a 4-3 Game 6 win and force a game seven in the 1st round. The Penguins would go on to win the Stanley Cup.
(1992) Penguins resume play after the NHL strike
(1995) CMU launches Lycos.
(2012) The verdict for Jordan Brown is handed down.
(2013) The champion of the Frozen Four is crowned at Consol.


April 14

(1761) According to a count ordered by Col. Bouquet, the population is 163 men, 45 women, and 25 children, who lived in 160 houses outside Fort Pitt.
(1863) [627]
(1920) The Pirates defeat St. Louis 5–4 as the modern glove, the "Bill Doak Glove", named for its inventor Bill Doak made its debut, George Gibson also becomes the first foreign born manager, both changing baseball forever.
(1938) Using the same gold-plated shovel that started the grading of Grant's Hill, Mayor Scully broke ground for the $1 million ($16.2 million today) Buhl Planetarium.
(1941) [628]
(1945) As FDR is laid to rest buses and trolleys pause for a moment of silence, at West Palm Story showing on northside, the Trinity Cathedral holds a simultaneous service for his funeral and most theaters and department stores close for the day.[629]
(1948) The rivers crest at 29'6".
(1968) Pirates ace Jim Bunning is the 1st since Ty Cobb to get 1,000 K's in both leagues.
(1979) The Penguins and Buffalo combine to set the current NHL record of fastest 2 playoff goals at only :05. [630]
(1980) VP Mondale attacks Ted Kennedy
(1983) President Reagan job question resume [631]
(1988) Fifth Avenue Place is dedicated.
(1993) The Penguins NHL record 17-game win streak ends with a tie, continuing their unbeaten streak.
(1996) With 2 assists in the Penguins last regular-season game at Boston, Jaromir Jagr sets the NHL record for points (149) and assists (87) in a season by any European and any right wing.
(1997) Jay Apt is named director of the Carnegie Museum.
(1998) Post-Gazette photographer Martha Rial wins the city's 6th Pulitzer.[632]
(2008) Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton visit the convention center to speak to the Alliance for American Manufacturing National convention. [633]
(2009) "Bo" from Ambridge arrives at the White House as "First Dog".
(2011) F&M Bank buys NexTier.
(2012) The USS Somerset honoring the heros of Flight 93 is launched.
(2012) The Power set AFL records for biggest comeback, down 17-48 in the 3rd and beating Orlando 57-54.


April 15

(1803) Minister Harris visits, recording that the area is getting its water supply from the rivers despite numerous--thou coal stained--springs are in the city. [634]
(1861) News hits on Ft. Sumters surrender 2 days prior as the Gazette announces a meeting to be held at City Hall presided by Judge Wilkins to discuss: ". . . men who sympathize with the rebels and traitors of the South and quietly cackle over the disgrace which robbery and treason have brought upon the flag of our glorious country! Such men, thank heaven, are very few in this community"[635]
(1865) The Leader begins publication.[636]
(1876) The Pirates play their 1st game, the city's 1st pro game, in the minor International League, it will be another 5 seasons until the team would be "major league".[637]
(1912) The Titantic sinks killing 6 bound for the area and having 8 survive.[638]
(1947) The Hornets lose the decisive 7th game of the Calder Cup finals in their 2nd of 7 trips to the finals.
(1952) The Pirates become the 1st MLB team to wear batting helmets, a loss to St. Louis.
(1958) The Pirates beat the Braves 4-3 in 14 innings tying the longest opening day game in the NL and longest in 32 seasons in MLB. [639]
(1979) WPCB signs on as the city's 9th TV station.
(1983) The 4th USS Pittsburgh has her heel laid down.
(1983) Flashdance opens as the #1 movie in America--a run of 28 straight days at #1.
(1984) Light rail goes online in the South Hills, it will be another year until the line is operational downtown as a subway.
(2003) Jamie Dixon is announced as the Panthers 14th head coach.
(2008) Sen. McCain visits CMU.[640][641]


April 16

(1754) 1,000 French soldiers in 300 canoes and 60 bateaux with 18 cannon arrive down the Allegheny under the command of Captain Contrecoeur and offer surrender terms to Fort George. (L)
(1953) The defending champion Hornets lose the decisive seventh game in overtime to Cleveland for the Calder Cup, their fifth of seven trips to the finals.
(1970) World's first Sky Ballet by Otto Piene [642]
(1979) The fourth USS Pittsburgh for the U.S. Navy is announced and contracts are awarded for its construction.
(1987) The Pittsburgh Press wins the third Pulitzer Prize for the city.[643]
(1989) The Three Rivers Stadium crowd's high expectations coming off the first Pittsburgh Pirates winning season in 5 years, are dashed as they watch Mike LaValliere blow out his knee ending his season. Two days prior both Andy Van Slyke and Sid Bream went down to month long injuries with 36 save hurler Jim Gott being scratched for the season after blowing out his elbow ten days prior. [644]
(1991) Art Rooney II is reported to be considered by Gov. Casey to replace the recently deceased Sen. Heinz.[645]
(1992) The NHL season concludes as Kevin Stevens sets an all time record for points in a season by an American-born player and most points by a left wing with 123 (54 goals 69 assists), eight points shy of leading the Penguins in all categories (goals, assists, points, PIM, and games played) in a season shortened by strike.
(1996) The Pirates make international highlights as they tie a baseball record with most grand slams in a game as both Orlando Merced and Jay Bell go yard in a win at St. Louis.
(2008) President Clinton visits the region stopping in suburban Cranberry and Kittaning. [646]


April 17

(1754) Father Denis Baron, a Recollect, offered the first Mass and the first Christian service in Pittsburgh [Father Denis Baron, a Recollect, offered the first Mass and the first Christian service in Pittsburgh] as 33 English soldiers under the command of Ensign Edward Ward are allowed to surrender and retreat to Fort Redstone (Brownsville). (L)[647]
(1818) Reward is offered in city's first bank robbery. [648]
(1879) Pittsburg, Oregon is founded, it is one of the 47 worldwide Pittsburghs, Pittsburgs, or Pitsburgs places honoring the Steel City by name.
(1901) The first pedestrian death by auto is recorded in the city on Bigelow Blvd. [649]
(1937) A newly proposed metropolitan plan, which seeks to establish Pittsburgh as the nation’s fifth-largest city with a population of 1.7 million residents, is defeated in Harrisburg when it fails to receive backing from Allegheny County senators.[650]
(1945) Don Lobaugh receives the Medal of Honor.Freeport
(1955) Roberto Clemente debuts with the Pirates in a double header with the Dodgers.
(1957) Ground is broken for construction of the $17 million ($145.3 million today) Fort Pitt Tunnels under Duquesne Heights, the final link between the eastern and western sections of the Penn-Lincoln Parkway. [651]
1975 UNITED STATES STEEL INTERNATIONAL division founded.[652]
(1988) The Pittsburgh Press wins back-to-back Pulitzer Prizes, the city's fourth. [653]
(1993) President Clinton arrives at Pittsburgh International and gives a major speech at the AFB, he also responds and gives a statement on the just announced Rodney King verdict.[654] He stays in the city giving his national weekly radio address at KDKA-AM and sits for local news interviews on his visit. [655]
(2004) Vice President Cheney visits the city. [656]
(2006) Penguins rookie Sidney Crosby sets an NHL record for youngest player to reach 100 points in a single season. Accomplishing it before the Igloo crowd with a three assist performance in a 6-1 win over the Islanders, he also ties Mario Lemieux's club record for rookie scoring.[657]
(2007) Pittsburgh International is the first of three airports to participate in a TSA Pilot program granting secured access to the terminal from the offsite Airport Hotel. [658]
(2012) Both Mitt Romney and Michelle Obama visit the city, Obama arriving at events at Pittsburgh International and downtown and Romney campagining in Bethel Park. [659][660]


April 18

(1754) French forces control the forks and command still under construction Fort Prince George from English settlers at the Forks of the Ohio claiming all of the region for France and commencing construction of Fort Duquesne, Ensign and temporary commander Edward Ward arrives at Fort Redstone (Brownsville) with the 33 English soldiers.
(1936) TWA Flight 1 heroine Nellie Granger collapses from the stress of questioning about the crash. [661]
(1941) The Gene Autry Rodeo opens at Duquesne Gardens. [662]
(1950) Six years after playing the 1st night-game in MLB history the Pirates play the 1st night-game season opener in MLB history against St. Louis.
(1955) Pirates star Roberto Clemente gets his 1st homer (inside-the-park) in this 3rd game--against the Dodgers at Forbes Field.
(1968) The Civic Arena hosts the 1st ever ABA Finals game, the Pipers beat New Orleans going on to win the title 4-3.
(1980) The First Lady visits Beaver. [663]
(1998) Penguins star Martin Straka scores a hat trick against Boston at the Igloo.
(1999) Global media spotlight the Penguins/Rangers game on the announcement it will be Wayne Gretzky's last as Mike Emerick announces.
(2004) The Convention Center hosts the 4th day of the NRA national convention with visits and speeches from VP Cheney and Ted Nugent.
(2006) Sidney Crosby sets a new Penguins rookie scoring record with a goal and assist over Toronto, eclipsing Mario Lemieux by two points, becoming only the 7th rookie in NHL history, the youngest overall, and the only rookie ever to have over 100 points and 100 penalty minutes. [664]
(2008) Pittsburgh International concludes the 5 day national conference of the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Training. [665]


April 19

(1792) City father James O'Hara, the grandfather of Mary Schenley, is appointed 6th U.S. Quartermaster General.
(1852) The rivers crest at a flood stage of 35.1 feet.
(1942) The 13 and 16 year-old sons of David Lawrence are killed in a tragic auto accident north of the city.
(1950) The Pittsburgh Police make international headlines as retired and widowed motorcycle patrolmen George M. Blair leaves his $40,000 estate ($391 thousand today) to his pet parrot. [666]
(1988) A memorial is unveiled on the Carnegie Mellon University Campus in honor of Judith Resnick, a hero of the Space Shuttle Challenger.
(1997) The Post-Gazette reports on a local Dihydrogen monoxide hoax, one of the 1st newspapers to report on the trend. [667].
(1998) The Guinness Book of Records is on site as Mariss Jansons conducts 2048 young musicians from the tri-state area to set the record for the "World's Largest Orchestra".
(2004) President Bush visits the city for a speech at the Convention Center. [668][669]
(2005) $5 million ($6.2 million today) is delivered by Governor Rendell to the city to help create Schenley Plaza park.
(2010) The city is honored by being named just the fifth human rights city in the U.S. [670]


April 20

(1818) The United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania is formed, splitting off from Philadelphia. [671]
(1901) The worst flood in nearly 20 years strikes downtown at over 36'.
(1936) Mayor McNair is jailed for 2 hours after he refuses to refund a fine by court order [672].
(1942) Moon's Old Bell Farm & Dairy completes transfer to the government as bulldozers begin construction on a Defense Department airfield, to become Pittsburgh International.
(1942) Frank Bassa, a Pearl Harbor survivor is welcomed home by 40,000 to Lawrenceville, 6 bands and driven by Fritzie Zivic in a convertible. [673]
(1952) The Hornets win their 1st of 3 Calder Cups in a Game 6 OT. It is the franchises 4th of 7 trips to the finals.
(1953) CMU announces to some debate that it will demolish the 50 year old "Carnegie Inn" for construction of a modern dorm.
(1957) The world's first FORTRAN computer system is installed at Westinghouse Bettis.[674][675][676]
(1998) Carnegie dedicates a memorial at the site of Pirates hall of famer Honus Wagner's birthplace.
(2012) Candidate Ron Paul visits Oakland and speaks at the Soldiers and Sailors Hall [677]
(2012) A T206 Honus Wagner card is bought at auction for more than $1.2 million.


April 21

(1844) Justice Baldwin dies at 64.
(1924) After 20 days of illness Eleonora Duse dies in room 524 of the Hotel Schenley.
(1927) Miss Pittsburgh (currently on display at Pittsburgh International takes flight for the 1st time inaugurating airmail service to the city.
(1937) The Buhl Foundation announces it will gift the city a planetarium and institute of popular science on the grounds of the old Allegheny City Hall
(1964) The Pirates and Cubs hit 8 total homers (1 by Clemente with all 5 being the only scores in the Cubs loss. [678]
(1970) Penguins coach Red Kelley is named Coach of the Year by Hockey News. [679]
(1971) The Three Rivers crowd is awed at the sight of the 100th NL three home run performance by Pirates star Willie Stargell as he gets his fourth such game and the second in a month for the club. [680]
(1971) A group consisting of Post-Gazette publisher Peter Block, Elmore Keener, & Peter Burchfield purchases the Penguins. [681]
(1975) The Pitt receives $1 million ($4.7 million today) from the Japan Iron and Steel Federation as an endowment for it's Asian studies program.
(1983) President Reagan Job [682]
(1986) William "Mugsy" Moore is appointed as the city's first African-American police chief.
(2010) Roethlisberger suspended. [683]
(2011) Scott Cousins of the Florida Marlins hits his first career home run, a grand slam against the Pirates.


April 22

(1794) Pittsburgh incorporates as a borough.
(1868) The Peoples Passenger RR is founded in the city.[684]
(1891) The Alleghenies field 2nd baseman Lou Bierbauer for the 1st time, the contested acquisition from Philadelphia gets the team branded as "Pirates" as they play their 1st game at Exposition Park on the Northshore losing to Chicago by 1.
(1896) Shadyside Hospital successfully uses X-Rays just weeks after the 1st publishing of X-Ray photos by Wilhelm Röntgen.
(1935) The Duquesne Gardens hosts the city's 1st Rodeo and Stampede [685]
(1947) The 1st of the now famous 5 debates between Kennedy-Nixon takes place in McKeesport on labor issues. [686]
(1953) Ed McKean and a team of experts announce their findings to consolidate all transit authorities into one county based organization. [687]
(1960) The Sun-Telegraph (creator of the 1st World Series, and it's Chronicle-Telegraph Cup, is purchased by the Post-Gazette.
(1968) Willie Stargell hits 3 homers, a double and a single as the last place Pirates beat the Cubs.[688]
(1976) The "Blueprint for Victory" is formally shown to the Steelers as "Steeler Nation" is born.[689]
(1981) President Reagan speaks of Beaver Falls.[690]
(1988) Pitt honors Gen. Ridgway by naming its International Security Studies Center for him.
(1993) Penguins goalie Tom Barasso sets a new NHL record for most consecutive playoff wins.
(2006) The 9th St. Bridge is named for Rachel Carson.[691]
(2008) President Clinton visits the Jewish Community Center in Oakland and Banksville as Sen. Obama visits Pamela's.[692][693]
(2010) The city is chosen by the UN as the North American host for 6 weeks of celebrations leading up to World Environment Day [694]


April 23

(1784) The Land Act passes, fueling the city as a boomtown as expansion continues down the Ohio.
(1903) After 4 years under corruption state control, an elected Mayor takes office.
(1913) Over 100 die in a Courtney mine explosion. [695]
(1927) A Pittsburgh-Cleveland Motor Coach Co. bus overturns in Allison Park injuring 8. [696]
(1949) The Mellons gift $4 million ($38.7 million today) to build Mellon Square.[697]
(1952) B&O agrees to move its station and freight yards to make way for the Grant Street interchange [698]
(1962) Riding a 10 game winning streak the Pirates lose to the Mets, the 1st Met franchise win.
(1967) State Senator Edwin Ewing from suburban Mt. Lebanon pushes to kill the "Billion Dollar Ditch" bill to construct a Lake Eire-Ohio River canal. [699]
(1976) Volkswagon announces it will rehab the Chrysler plant at New Stanton.
(1980) The Pennsylvania Primary declares George Bush victorious over Ronald Reagan and Ted Kennedy victorious over Jimmy Carter.
(1985) Martha Graham is awarded the Medal of Arts at the White House.[700]
(1991) Pittsburgh International becomes the 1st to participate in a $30 million ($53.4 million today) FAA program for improved lighting and markings. [701]
(1997) Penguins star Mario Lemieux scores on his final shot at the Igloo against the Flyers in the playoffs. The crowd chants for Lemieux with 5 minutes remaining and comes to its feet with 2:09 to play after a video montage is shown on the Jumbotron. With just over a minute to go Mario breaks in alone on Garth Snow and scores.
(2001) Freedom Corner is dedicated.
(2004) John Kerry visits with his hairdresser. [702]
(2006) The 9th Street Bridge is renamed for Rachel Carson.
(2008) While planning a reconstruction of the Gateway Center station, the Port Authority learns the 23 year old Romare Bearden mural is valued at over $15 million ($16.8 million today).
(2011) Porky Chedwick throws the season's 1st Pirates pitch at PNC Park.[703]


April 24

(1818) Reward offered in city's first bank robbery [704].
(1861) The 80 man strong Turner Rifles depart for service during the Civil War.
(1913) Over 60,000 students protest absent [705]
(1927) The Pittsburgh Symphony executive council are arrested for Blue Laws violations after the group performed a Sunday concert for 4,000.
(1940) The Duquesne Gardens opens the National Championship Rodeo with Gene Autry. [706]
(1944) Sgt. Kelly, the city's first Congressional Medal of Honor winner in World War II, receives a hero's welcome home.
(1964) President Johnson arrives at Pittsburgh International greeted by the mayor and governor motorcading downtown for a noon address at the Hilton as 2,000 attend, and visits the Southside neighborhood for a rally at Union Hall. [707]
(1979) Gulf Oil responds to the Whitehouse proposed Windfall tax at its annual shareholders meeting at Heinz Hall.[708]
(1985) The first six web domains are issued and Carnegie Mellon University's cmu.edu is among the first of those six to be on what will become the internet.
(1986) Root Sports starts regular scheduled broadcasts in the metro area after a single Pirates broadcast 11 days earlier, it's on the air for good with the broadcast of the Pirates game against the Phillies at Three Rivers. The station is one of the first all-sports local channels in the world, and the city's tenth local station. [709]
(1996) The Penguins beat Washington 3-2 in the longest NHL game in over 60 years. The playoff contest goes into 7 periods (4 overtime) with 139:15 of regulation time.
(1997) The new O'Reilly Theater breaks ground in the Cultural District for the Public Theater.


April 25

(1774) Virginia Governor Dunmore announces by proclamation at Fort Pitt that all residents of the point shall pay taxes and excise as residents of Virginia.
(1891) One man killed and four others badly injured as a train crowded with laborers runs into a freight train in Beaver Falls. [710]
(1948) Bob Prince debuts for the Pirates, a split double header in Cincinnati.
(1950) Chuck Cooper becomes the 1st African-American drafted by the NBA.
(1954) Beadling loses the 1st game to St. Louis 2-5.
(1958) Ground is broken for the Civic Arena.
(1968) Groundbreaking ceremonies for Three Rivers take place on the city's North Shore with guest speaker Jesse Owens.
(1977) Mt. Lebanon's Eleanor Smeal is elected national president of NOW.
(1988) International Media descend on the city as VP Bush, Gov. Dukakis and Jesse Jackson all campaign.
(1989) Penguins star Mario Lemieux ties the NHL record for most points in a playoff game with 8, the last player ever to do so in either the playoffs or regular season. His 5 goals also ties a Stanley Cup Playoff record, the first time in 13 seasons and to date the last playoff 5 goal game. The Igloo crowd loves it coming against rival Philadelphia. [711]
(1993) The Penguins set the current NHL record of 14 with a victory over.[712]
(1999) Freedom Corner in the city's Hill District breaks ground.
(2003) The Forge win the Robertson Cup on a Jim Gehring hat trick over Dallas and qualify for the USA Hockey Junior National Championships. [713]
(2004) The Steelers select Ben Roethlisberger.
(2012) Pitt receives $73.6 million ($76 million today) award at the Federal courthouse against Varian for patent infringements. [714]


April 26

(1779)[715]
(1925) Schenley Park unveils "The Hiker", commemorating the Spanish American War veterans, as William McNair, a survivor of the USS Maine explosion. [716]
(1937) The rivers crest at 35' but are caught by newly improved flood controls.
(1953) Harmarville Hurricanes loose the final game in the U.S. Open Cup to Chicago. [717]
(1957) The State Office Building is dedicated at Gateway Center.
(1964) The two week long International Conference of the Methodist Church opens at the Civic Arena with 40,000 churches represented, it garners international headlines as the church desegregates. [718]
(1975) The Penguins tally their 4th heartbreaking loss in the 2nd round to the Islanders 0-1 in front of a Civic Arena, only the 2nd team in NHL history to squander a 3-0 playoff lead.
(1976) Bruno Sammartino suffers a neck fracture when Hansen improperly executes a body slam. Despite doctors' orders, Bruno flys home that night, concerned his elderly parents would find out he was in a New York hospital with a broken neck and would die from the shock.
(1987) Vivel Rao wins out of 700 at the National High School Chess Championship.
(1989) Game 5, Patrick Division semifinals, Flyers vs. Penguins. Mario Lemieux scored a record-tying 5 goal and 3 assist in the Penguins' 10-7 win. doc emmrick announces.
(1996) An Inaugural Gala is hosted by the $36 million Heinz History Center ($54.9 million today) as it hosts 900 VIP guests with catering and entertainment provided by the Duquesne Club. [719]
(1999) Fore Systems is purchased by Marconi for $4.5 billion ($6.4 billion today)[720].
(2007) The E. Pittsburgh studio of the initial KDKA broadcast is demolished.
(2007) Pittsburgh becomes the 1st city ever to be named "Most Livable" twice by Places Rated Almanac.
(2007) Gov. Perry visits to address the Boy Scouts of America, speaks of how proud he is to be from a state with a Pittsburg also but wise enough not to have "another Philadelphia". [721]


April 27

(1904) An explosion on a B&O train in suburban Braddock claims the lives of 10.[722]
(1916) A strike of 24,000 miners is settled.
(1939) After five years of planning, work gets underway to widen and re-build Bigelow Boulevard into a four-lane highway at a cost of $1.8 million ($29.7 million today).
(1969) Henry Kissinger, Frank Borman, and Li Choh-ming receive honorary degrees from the University of Pittsburgh during commencement ceremonies, held for the first time at the Civic Arena.
(1978) [723]
(1980) Newly formed Amtrak starts service to Penn Station with the Pennsylvanian to Harrisburg, Philadelphia and New York.
(1981) Mayor Caliguiri sues the city of New Orleans and the Louisiana Superdome in Federal Court to stop interference with Stadium Authority's lease dispute with the Pirates, an off day for the club in the middle of eight straight games.
(1992) Gov. Clinton and Hillary visit downtown.[724]
(2003) Treasury Secretary O'Neill gives the commencement for the University of Pittsburgh. [725]
(2011) Book:Pittsburgh goes live on wikipedia.


April 28

(1823) Speaker of the House Henry Clay visits the city.
(1920) Astronomer John Brashear dies at his South Side home at 80. [726]
(1923) Pittsburgh Police arrest 23 suspected communist "radicals" and seize literature and bomb making materials leading up to May Day celebrations. [727]
(1930) The Gideon Society holds its 50th annual convention at the William Penn Hotel, passing out over 500 bibles. [728]
(1955) Jones and Laughlin Steel announces an $86 million expansion plan for area mills, including $50 million for its Aliquippa Works ($744.3 and $432.7 million today).
(1955) Horace Heidt performs at Syria Mosque and MC's a talent competition, all for charity for the Hill City Youth Program. [729]
(1970) The city plants "colorful trees, shrubs and vines" on the face of Mt. Washington to create a "hanging garden".[730]
(1975) The city takes over the Zoo from the Zoological Society after a long feud.[731]
(1989) After 15 years PATrain has it's final run.
(1995) Miss Pittsburgh, an open-cockpit hi-wing airplane, is unveiled at Pittsburgh International. The plane completed the first commercial airmail delivery.
(2000) Almost two months after the anti-white shooting spree of Ronald Taylor killed three, Richard Baumhammers kills four non-whites and one Jewish white in a two-county shooting spree.[732]
(2005) University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and IBM enter into an eight-year agreement worth $420 million ($516.8 million today) to upgrade medical technologies and health information systems.


April 29

(1898)Troops for service in the Spanish-American War entrained for camp at Mount Gretna
(1902) The "planet" Pittsburgh is discovered by astronomer Max Wolf and named in honor of the city and of native John Brashear.
(1932) The first Negro League ballpark in the world is constructed by Gus Greenlee, the Pittsburgh Crawfords will call Greenlee Field home until they disband in 1938. Today's Ammon Field carries on the fields legacy.
(1942) Pittsburgh and nine surrounding counties were designated by the federal government as a defense rental area, and rents were frozen
(1952) President Truman s seizure of the steel industry was declared illegal by Federal Court and district steel workers joined 650,000 throughout the nation in a walkout that paralyzed the industry.
(1994) Horne's Department Store, which was founded in 1849, is bought by Federated Department Stores of Cincinnati.
(1995) The new $147 million Allegheny County Jail Building opens


April 30

(1765)[733]
(1805) Aaron Burr sails from Pittsburgh in what he refers to as his "ark" and starts a journal of his voyage. [734]
(1825) The Marquis de Lafayette visits the city for a week long tour, he is the first foreign dignitary hosted by Pittsburgh.
(1932) A day after opening to fans, Greenlee Field has it's opening day game, with Crawfords stars Satchel Paige pitching to catcher Josh Gibson.
(1950) The opulent domed Beaux Arts Nixon Theater closes its doors to make way for Alcoa's new headquarters. Katherine Hepburn writes City Hall in protest: "I'm infuriated, The new skyscraper will be just another building -- maybe fascinating, but not glamorous."
(1951) 20 year old Eagle Supermarkets become Giant Eagle [735]
(1955) The Honus Wagner statue is unvieled outside Forbes Field to be relocated to the North Shore in 1972.[736]
(1956) In the NBA draft Duquesne Dukes player Sihugo Green is chosen with the #1 overall pick, it is the Duke's second straight year of having the NBA's #1 choice, a feat no other college has to date accomplished.
(1967) The Civic Arena crowd goes crazy as the Hornets win their third Calder Cup, their seventh trip to the finals, the first and still only cup won during a home game. Later in the year the team will fold with the arrival of the NHL's Penguins.
(1969) WQED's Fred Rogers testifies before congress on the importance of children's television and on the impact of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.[737]
(1977) when he was defeated by "Superstar" Billy Graham. In a controversial ending, Graham had both feet braced on the ropes (which is illegal in pro wrestling) while successfully pinning Sammartino.
(1984) Fortune lists the city as the nation's third largest corporation center. Fifteen of Fortune's 500 companies have their headquarters here.
(1989) Game 7, Patrick Division finals, Flyers vs. Penguins. Flyers backup goaltender Ken Wregget makes 40 saves in a 4-1 victory, earning the Flyers a berth in the Wales Conference Finals native Dr. Mike Emrick announces.
(1996) Pirates star Jeff King hits 2 homers in the 4th. [738]
(1997) Children's hospital performs the world's 1st heart-liver transplant on an infant.[739]


[edit]
May
May 1

(1792) As Gen. Wayne's forces arrive, the U.S. Army transfers command out of Ft. Pitt to the new Ft. Fayette along the Allegheny.
(1875) The Duquesne Incline Co. is founded.
(1916) Martial Law is declared in Braddock due to striking steel workers.
(1917) Pittsburgh Life & Trust fraud is uncovered. [740]
(1926) The Socialist Party National Convention opens in the city.
(1933) The Pirates tie the MLB record for most grand slams as both Earl Grace and future hall of famer Arky Vaughan go yard against the Phillies.
(1971) The Keystone and Broadway Limited trains become the first Amtrak routes for the city as they pull into Penn Station.
(1987) Westinghouse announces it will "phase out" it's 94 year old suburban East Pittsburgh works over the next few years.
(1989) At the grand opening of the Disney's Hollywood Studios, the most attended studio-park in the world, hosts KDKA-AM as its inaugural guest broadcaster in its interactive radio studios.
(1995) In game 6 of the CBA Finals the Piranhas lose the championship, though protest for an additional two days that the winning basket was scored on them by an ineligible player. [741]
(2007) Allegheny County's public area smoking ban takes effect.
(2009) The Timko sisters are the 1st [742].
(2011) The Pittsburgh Marathon makes international headlines as a bomb scare is investigated by police. [743]


May 2

40px
(1762) "Delaware George" is buried with full military honors on the northshore opposite of Ft. Pitt.
(1805) Aaron Burr after fleeing the 2 days prior docks at Ft. MacIntosh. [744]
(1864) Andrew Carnegie and Henry Phipps enter the Iron business by purchasing ⅙th of Iron City Forge.
(1873) The city annexes parts of Wilkins Township.[745]
(1877) The Pirates organize for the 1st time, in the new International League, a win for pitcher Pud Glavin, the game officially scores as an exhibition.
(1882) The Pirates take the field for the 1st time defeating Cincinnati 10-9.
(1887) Fred Carroll helps the Pirates win by hitting for the cycle at expo against Detroit.
(1910) President Taft visits Chatham University. [746]
(1926) [747]
(1938) Press reporter Ray Sprigle wins the Pulitzer Prize (Pittsburgh's 1st).
(1953) Beaver Airport is dedicated. [748]
(1953) Pirates star Carlos Bernier hits 3 straight triples.
(1954) Chatham dedicates 4 new buildings.
(1954) Pittsburgh Beadling beats St. Louis for the title. [749].
(1968) The Odd Couple is released with Pirates star Bill Mazeroski since Roberto Clemente refused to sign for film requiring him to ground into a double play. [750]
(1970) The Doors record Pittsburgh Civic Arena.
(2009) The nearly $600 million ($647.7 million today) campus of Children's Hospital opens.
(2012) Commuter crashes into airport. [751]
(2012) The region's 2nd Whole Foods opens. [752]


May 3

(1828) Foundation stone was laid for the Washington Lock to connect the Pennsylvania Canal and the Monongahela, it is currently the structure of the Pittsburgh Subway line from the Steel Plaza to Firstside stations.
(1916) Four squadrons of National Guard take positions around Thomson Works after 2 die in labor battles. [753]
(1922) WCAE (Today's WEAE) AM signs on as the city's 3rd station, the 61st in the U.S. [754]
(1926) The SPA national convention closes, changing its constitution to allow for bi-annual meetings.
(1930) With a chance for back-to-back titles and the 3rd in 4 seasons, Pittsburgh Gallatin Soccer plays to a tie but then forfeits the title.[755]
(1940) A headless body is found in a New Castle boxcar with the Torso Killer suspected.
(1943) Douglas v. City of Jeannette is decided.
(1955) The B&O announces it will construct a terminal along the Monongahela by Grant Street, currently the Firstside complex, it will replace the B&O's 20 year old facility facing the river and sold to make way for the Penn-Lincoln Parkway
(1959) Pirates catcher Hank Foiles makes an unassisted double play.
(1985) Bob Prince returns to the KDKA booth announcing 3 innings of Pirates/Dodgers. Weakened from cancer, Prince is able to announce only 2 but is given 3 standing ovations as the Bucs score 9, one for each year of his absence from the booth. In the next inning Prince calls for Jason Thompson to park one "so we'll have a little bit of everything" with Thompson promptly homering.
(1994) LaRoche receives a $5 million ($8 million today) donation from Gateway Clipper owner, John Connelly.
(1995) The Penguins make history at the Igloo against Florida, playing Richard Park, the 1st Asian-American to ever play for an NHL team, and the first Korean-American in the league. Jim Paek being the first Asian and Korean to play for an American team with the Penguins five years prior.
(1998) Keith Brantly wins the men's division of the Pittsburgh Marathon and U.S. men's National Championship with a new American course record of 2:12:31 for which he earns a $100,000 bonus ($145 thousand today).
(2000) Alcoa completes the buyout of Reynolds Aluminum, regaining it's historic status of the world's largest aluminum producer.
(2000) Stars & Stripes the 1861 founded and largest military newspaper in the world, is bought by Pittsburgh based iServed.com.[756]
(2003) The Forge win the USA Hockey Junior National Championships against Sault St. Marie.[757]


May 4

(1840) The first "air mail" was launched from the city--by hot air balloon--to Philadelphia.
(1895) University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is founded as Presbyterian Hospital.
(1909) The city's first cab company starts operations.
(1940) The National Championship Rodeo closes at the Duquesne Gardens [758]
(1958) For only the 63rd time in NL history a player hits three home runs in a single game as Pirates star Roman Mejias does the feat. [759]
(1968) In the first basketball championship to allow the Three point shot and the Dunk, the Pipers win the ABA title.
(1970) Area residents Allison Krause and John Filo (who would win the Pulitzer Prize for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) are caught up in history at the Kent State Massacre, Krause is killed.
(1975) City Hall proposes to demolish the 80 year old Pittsburgh Zoo main building and replace it with three modern structures.
(2000) The Penguins lose 2-1 to the Flyers in the longest NHL game in over 64 years. The playoff contest at Mellon Arena lasts eight periods (5 overtime periods) and 152:01 of regulation time.
(2005) Southwest Airlines begins service to Pittsburgh International Airport.
(2009) Pitt surgeons perform the first double hand transplant in the United States.
(2009) Dueling hattricks [760]
(2011) 8 Pittsburgh Prison Guards Arrested For Forming Secret Vigilante Group Against Inmates...
(2011) Mexican International Affairs Chief Arnulfo Valdivia Machuca visits the city speaking at the Duquesne Club in a nationally televised address [761]


May 5

(1864) Pulitzer Prize winning and Dispatch reporter Nellie Bly is born in Cochran's Mills.
(1882) H.C. Frick Company incorporates with $2 million ($48.2 million today)
(1900) Pirates founder, owner, and player-manager Denny McKnight passes away.
(1903) The Fire Bureau creates the world's 1st fire union; 4 months later becoming IAFF Local #1.
(1917) Enrico Caruso performs to a packed house.
(1921) Fred Fulton KOs Jack Temple in the 1st minute of the 1st round. [762]
(1929) Pittsburgh-Heidleberg wins its 2nd national title in 3 years. [763]
(1929) The Pirates hit 4 triples.
(1940) Morgan Strasser wins the title 1–0. [764]
(1942) The CIO National Convention opens. [765]
(1956) The Hurricanes beat Chicago 3-1 in the Open Cup Final. [766]
(1966) The Penn Park skyscrapers are announced. [767]
(1985) The 1st Pittsburgh Marathon runs.
(1992) Pittsburgh International bans smoking in all areas.[768]
(2010) Tommy Chong and Dr. Wecht visit the Southside to celebrate U.S. Attorney Buchanan's retirement.[769]
(2011) President Obama visits. [770]


May 6

(1755) [771]
(1906) The Pirates playing Chicago at the city's old Exposition Park surprise the baseball world with the first use of a rain tarp in history.
(1923) Fire crews respond to a blaze at the Paris Inn at 310 Fifth Avenue after a Chef went off shift while leaving a steak cooking.[772]
(1937) Herb Morrison announces the Hindenburg disaster.
(1937) Andrew Mellon is on hand to open the new $10 million ($167.5 million today) Mellon Institute announcing a new treatment for pneumonia developed by its scientists.
(1951) Cliff Chambers pitching his last game for the Pirates throws the club's second-ever no hitter against the Braves.
(1960) Candidate Lyndon Johnson arrives at Pittsburgh International Airport for a two day visit, he motorcades to Ohio and returns to the city for a rally at the Hilton.
(1963) Mayor Barr requests $5 million ($38.4 million today) of federal aid for housing for the Homewood neighborhood [773]
(1965) As the Pirates play in "Skyscraper City" Chicago, owner John Galbreath announces a new 65 floor home for U.S. Steel, at the time the U.S. Steel Tower is planned to be the world's tallest building.
(1968) An Alberta Clipper effects the region, with an unseasonably low of 29 reported. [774]
(1968) Vince Cazetta of the Pipers is named Coach of the Year. [775]
(1988) Popular Mayor Caliguiri dies as Sophie Masloff becomes the first woman and jew to take the helm at City Hall.[776]
(2004) The University of Pittsburgh purchases 81 year old University Club for over $3 million ($3.8 million today).
(2012) First Applachian conference north of the Mason Dixon Line concludes at nearby Indiana University of Pennsylvania. [777]


May 7

(1751) [778]
(1812) The city's first theater is opened by Will Turner.
(1882) The old Courthouse is destroyed by fire.
(1903) Pirates star Fred Clarke hits for he cycle at Expo Park v Cincinnati.
(1922) Walt Mueller becomes the world's 1st to hit a home run on the 1st pitch of his career as the Pirates beat Chicago.
(1925) Pirates catcher Glenn Wright completes only the 5th unassisted triple play in MLB history when he throws out future hall of famers Jim Bottomley and Rogers Hornsby in the 9th at Forbes Field.
(1951) Israeli prime minister David Ben-Gurion becomes the 9th foreign leader to visit.
(1960) LBJ starts the 2nd day of his visit at the Hilton meeting with Mayor Barr and hosting a rally before departing by motorcade to West Virginia.
(1963) John Galbreath, rejects City Hall's request that he contribute nearly $4 million ($30.7 million today) for Three Rivers construction, as his Pirates lose in Chicago 4-5.
(1970) Both Pitt and CMU campuses rally over Vietnam and Kent State.[779]
(1973) In the "Lumber Yard" era, the Pirates make sports highlights and a MLB record with the oddity of most solo shot home runs (5) while scoring no other runs in Los Angeles.
(1979) $265 million ($944.3 million today) is promised by Washington for construction of the Pittsburgh Subway/Lightrail system.
(1980) BCTA is created. [780]
(1982) Heinz Hall Garden opens.
(1993) A USAirways flight from Memphis lands hard at Pittsburgh International as its wheel collapses.[781]
(2008) The week long U.S. Chess Federation championships opens at the Convention Center.
(2008) Mary Beth Buchanan launches Operation True Test in 8 states.[782]


May 8

(1909) [783]
(1910) At Yukon Sheriff deputies fire in a crowd during the Slovak Strike.
(1956) U.S. Steel formally opens its new 4 building, 142 acre research center in suburban Monroeville.
(1963) Pirates star Willie Stargell hits his first career home run.
(1966) [784]
(1985) The Pittsburgh Subway/Lightrail receives $20 million ($44.7 million today) in federal grants for it's extension to the South Hills.
(1997) Thomas Marino is announced as majority owner of the Penguins [785]
(1999) The city announces restoration efforts at Frick Park matching donations of $135,000 ($192 thousand today).
(2007) The city hosts the List_of_World_Heavyweight_Champions_(WWE)
(2008) The David L. Lawrence Convention Center hosts the national championship rounds for the U.S. Chess Federation.