Why Pittsburgh is the most American city
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Point of View Statue on Mount Washington. Photo: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
We didn't play a big role in founding America. We aren't close to being the biggest city, and our accent isn't like any other in the country, but Pittsburgh still has a strong argument for the most American city.
Why it matters: The nation's 250th anniversary is coming up, and cities across the U.S. are commemorating their role in building America.
- It's time to make Pittsburgh's case.
Case in point: Pittsburgh's steel industry quite literally built the nation.
- We helped build some of the most iconic symbols of American greatness — the Empire State Building, the San Francisco Bay Bridge, the Panama Canal — not to mention the industrial muscle and wartime production that helped win two world wars and cement America as a global superpower.
Zoom in: The nation's most American holiday is the Fourth of July, and Pittsburgh was voted the nation's best Independence Day celebration in this year's USA Today 10Best poll.
- New Castle in Pittsburgh's metro area is the Fireworks Capital of America.
Flashback: George Washington didn't spend much time in Southwest Pennsylvania, but his time here shaped him immensely and helped him defeat the British.
Dig in: Ketchup is arguably the most American condiment, and Heinz is objectively the best ketchup. Since Heinz started here and is still headquartered here, a taste of Pittsburgh is on nearly every dinner table in America.
State of play: While the Dallas Cowboys are known as "America's team," Art Rooney, the Steelers' original owner, claims Pittsburgh's team was initially offered that moniker by the NFL, but he turned it down.
Between the whines: Complaining is on the rise nationally, and no one complains quite like us. Not to mention how much Pittsburghers hate change.
- But that is increasingly becoming as American as apple pie.
The other side: While Pittsburgh's identity was forged by generations of early immigrants, it's now one of the least diverse places in America.
- Our winding roads and odd driving habits also clash with an America designed to accommodate more cars.
What they're saying: Pittsburgh is going all out this summer to prove how American it really is.
- Point State Park is hosting a free Nelly and Third Eye Blind concert for America's 250 celebration; American Legion Riders will escort the U.S. flag from Pittsburgh to the nation's capital and make 13 stops in Southwest Pennsylvania.
- Acrisure Stadium is hosting World Cup watch parties to (hopefully) cheer on Team USA if they advance to the knockout rounds.
- "We promise Pittsburgh won't disappoint," said Visit Pittsburgh CEO Jerad Bachar in a statement.
Sound off: Do you think Pittsburgh is the most American city?
- Email us at [email protected] to let us know.