Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1877-12-07
A TRIP
Through Allegheny County, PitEsburs
And Allegheny City.

Through Allegheny County, Pittsburg
And Allegheny City.
Allegheny County is situated in the
heart of the bituminous coal formation of
the Appalachian field, and it derives its
chief Importance from the insxhaustible
supply and development of this most valu-
able fuel. The amount of capital invested
in the mines Of the county, as seen by the
census of 1870, was estimated at $12, ,169,-
900 and %, 40 acres was under develop
ment. Farming here has not arrived at
the perfection reached in many other coun-
ties of the state, owing probably to the
mining of coal being so much more profta-
able.
Pittsburg is the chief city of the county
and ranks second in population and impor-
tance in the State. 1t is substantially and
handsomely built, containing many fine
residences, especially in the eastern part.
The principal streets and avenues are
handsomely graded and paved. Gas, wa
ter works and street cars are included in
all the advantages of a large city. 1t is so
situated that it enjoys great commercial
advantages, and has become the. center of
a large commerce with the western states.
The Erie canal which was put in operation
about 1885 opened up large mineral and
agricultural field to Pittsburg, which aug
mented its business. Boats reached Pitts
burg by being towed by steam tugs up the
Ohio river from the mouth of Beaver creek
-twsnty-six miles below the city. After
wards, what was known as the cross-cut
canal was built, connecting Erie and the
Ohio canal at Akron Ohio. The Erie and
eross-cut junction was made at the mouth
of Mahoning river, in Beaver valley, near
N ew Castle. By this connection before they
could boast of railroad west, freight could
be shipped to Chilicothe and other places.
These advantages with the fact of the city
being at the head of navigation of the
west and south western waters, made Pitts
burg center of many branches of busi-
ness, and gave it wonderful Importance
in the manufacturing world. In March
1872, the consolidation of the south side
with Pittsburg, took place by an act of the
assembly. This bill included eleven bo-
'roughs, naturally adding greatly to the
business interests of the place. Railroads
now are in active operation connecting the
city with every part of the country and
giving it access to the trade of all parts of
the world The late railroad strike. was
great disaster, causing the destruction Of
much valuable property amongst which
might be mentioned the Union Hotel, one
Of the finest buildings of the city. Mr..
MCarty is the present Mayor. The city
lately like most other places of the country
has shared the business depression, but
when the wheel of fortune makes fsvora
BILE turn in the business of our land, this
pleasant city will doubtless have full
share of its prosperity. In visiting the city
a stranger is attracted by its many public
buildings, amongst the principal are the
Municipal Hall, corner of Smlthfield and
Virginia Sts., costing one hundred and fif-
ty thousand dollars. The Court House and
Post Office, and the Q. S. Arsenal, the
Mercantile Library, Academy of music,
and several public halls, the city general
Hospital, the Roman Catholic Orphan
Asylum, the convent of the Sisters of Mer-
cy and many other noble institutions. The
western Penitentiary is a fine building,
there is also hospital of the insane at
Dixmont. The people of Pittsburg are
generally distiuguishable for intelligence
are pleasant and social, and especially
courteous to strangers. 1t is termed the
smoky city, but the sunshine does not fail
to penetrate the gloom and throw its pleas
ant light in the pleasant homes and around
the bright hearths of these cultivated, kind
and hospitable people.
Allegheny City is situated on the west
bank of the Allegheny river opposite Pitts
burg, with which it is connected by several
fine bridges. Its manufacturing interests
are large. and many beautiful residences Of
Pittsburg merchants are built here. 1t has
mary costly and magnificent buildings.
The Public Park lies around the center of
city, and is very beautiful with fine floral
display of a tiny lakelet and fine statue
of Humboldt. There is beautiful soldiers
monument in the east part of the city in
memory Of four thousand brave men who
died for their country in the late civil wal.
Memory will reverence this spot, and ever
hold dear those who now peacefully rest,
removed from the noise of battle and
storms of life. The present Mayor Phillips
is g most estimable and cultured gentle
man, who takes an interest in the welfare
of the city. Allegheny is most pleasant
and desirable place of residence, considers
bly, in the way of improvements within the
last few years, and when times become
prosperous predict much progress for
this well mented city, and enterprising
people. A. THRoPP.
A short WOOIng