International Resources

TRANSFORMATION CITY »

Showcasing a 'New America'

The Pittsburgh region has survived wrenching economic change and emerged with a balanced, innovation-driven economy renowned for health care and life sciences, technology and robotics, higher education and research, financial services, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.

NEIGHBORHOODS »

A City Full of Diversity

As a city full of diversity, you will love exploring the culture, food, and atmosphere of Pittsburgh’s 89 unique and ethnically distinctive neighborhoods. Pittsburgh’s downtown is full of the city hustle and bustle, and Squirrel Hill has the quaint charm of a main street-like community. Meanwhile, Oakland, with its many universities, supplies a uniquely intellectual atmosphere. Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods and the unique people in them are just waiting for you to come and visit!.

French Resources

The French in Pittsburgh circa 1750 - 1758

Pittsburgh was once a part of the vast domain of La Nouvelle France, which included territories from Newfoundland to the Rocky Mountains and from Hudson Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Lucrative trading drove French exploration and colonization to export products such as fish, sugar, and furs.

The Forks of the Ohio, where Pittsburgh's history begins, was important because it provided La Porte à l'Ouest. Control over the rivers meant dominance in trading and westward expansion. In 1749, Capitan Pierre-Joseph Celoron began "The Lead Plate Expedition" - a 3,000 mile trek from Montréal and down the Ohio River and back to Canada to claim the land of the Ohio Valley in the name of the King of France.

In 1753, Robert Dinwiddie, governor of Virginia sent George Washington to tell the French to leave British territory; they refused and began strategically building forts from Canada southward to protect the junction of the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Rivers. Fort Du Quesne, named after the Marquis de Duquesne, governor-general of New France, was built in 1754 at the confluence of these rivers. Celoron considered the site to be the future capital city of New France in North America.

The French succeeded in defending Fort Du Quesne - defeating Washington in 1754 at Fort Necessity and Braddock at the Battle of the Monongahela River in 1755. They maintained control over the fort and the "Forks of the Ohio" until 1758 when they gave it up to the British, who established Pittsburgh.

Today, Fort Duquesne Bridge notably crosses over the territory once occupied by early French settlers. Additional evidence of the importance of French contributions to the development of Pittsburgh can be seen in streets, towns, and counties bearing prominent French names including Celoron (Celeron), de Villiers (Devilliers), Jumonville, Versailles, Duquesne, Fayette, and D'or Mont (Dormont).

French Backgrounders

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Media Library

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While in Pittsburgh

Find fun things to do that will give you the full Pittsburgh experience - museums, cultural events, restaurants and more!

QUALITY OF LIFE »

Life in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is home to a cultural phenomenon celebrating our unique history and the people who make this city special. Surprisingly affordable and very livable, it’s no wonder so many people are choosing to make Pittsburgh home.