The region's rivers offer endless opportunities for water sports which was quite a change from Pittsburgh's earlier days. At the turn of the century, industry left the rivers so polluted that they were a significant environmental and health hazard. In fact, during Pittsburgh's heyday of factories, the Monongahela River was the busiest inland waterway in the world. Collection of Susan Donley A Regatta on the Mon, c 1900.
Steamers line up for the race while spectators watch from barges.
Planning the rivers' future Thanks to serious clean-up efforts during a period referred to as Pittsburgh's Renaissance I and II, the rivers now are clean and wildlife is thriving both in and around the waters. In the downtown area, development along the riverfront is quite different than it was in the days when manufactories and ship-building companies lined the shores. Instead of steam boats and coal barges, Pittsburghers see pleasure crafts and water-skiers . . . Biking and hiking trails are a part of Pittsburgh's City Plan. Trails are being developed on the sites of the old railroad tracks around the area.