Explore Homestead History at The Waterfront
Below are details on some of the landmarks you’ll find throughout The Waterfront that reflect the rich heritage of the Homestead area.
Adirondack Chair
This giant chair is the perfect selfie stop! Tag your post with #waterfrontpgh and post it on Facebook or Instagram.
Dinkey Engine
The narrow gauge engine was used for intramodal transportation within the mill site, often pulling loads of ingot molds.
Gantry Crane
This hoisting device, located on the riverbank, was used for scaling, moving, and loading of steel plate.
Homestead Grays Bridge
Built in 1936 and named in honor of the Homestead Grays baseball team, this bridge spans the Monongahela River, connecting Homestead with Pittsburgh.
Homestead Labyrinth
This 68-foot labyrinth was installed in 2009 by artist Lorraine Vullo to honor the history of the area. Located near the Pump House along the river, it’s made of hand-cut cobblestone, engraved concrete, earth and grass, and features a six-pointed compass at the center. It’s owned, operated and maintained by Rivers of Steel.
Kling Car
This car was used to carry molten iron from one part of the mill to another for processing.
Pedestrian Bridge
A pedestrian and cyclist friendly bridge that links Town Center with the Great Allegheny Passage/Steel Valley Trail.
Pump House
The Pump House was a focal point in the 1892 Battle of Homestead, the most significant event in American labor history. The restored building, which still holds remnants of the original pumping mechanisms, is used for educational programs, tours and events from April – October. It’s also owned, operated and maintained by Rivers of Steel.
Venting Stacks
The line of stacks at The Waterfront serve as a monument to the city’s industrial past, a symbol of the steel mills that once defined its economy.
