Amazing Facts and Guide to the Pittsburgh Inclines

History

The Castle Shannon and Monongahela Incline, circa 1900

Pittsburgh evolved into “The Steel City” at the end of the civil war with its continual growth of the steel industry.   The city itself was filled with soot and Coal Hill, presently known as Mount Washington, was a cleaner place to live due to its elevation. In 1854, Pennsylvania approved an act to construct inclines on the hill to provide easy mobility for residents living there. In 1867, the Monongahela Inclined Plane Company was tasked with building a passenger incline between present-day Carson Street and Mount Washington, becoming the first incline built primarily for the transportation of people rather than cargo.

John J. Endres, a mining engineer drafted up the plans and worked alongside local companies such as Jones & Laughlin and the Iron City Bridge Company to construct the track. Partnering with other individuals and businesses to create the Upper and Lower Stations, plane cars and steel cables,  the Monongahela Incline officially opened in 1870. It has length of 635 feet, with a height of 367.4 feet and a grade of 78%. The incline was an instant success, with 994 people paying to ride the first day and a whooping 4,174 the second day!

The Monongahela Incline has undergone numerous rebuilds and updates to ensure efficiency and safety. As a result, it’s the longest continually running funicular car in the world!

Monongahela Incline Hours

Things to Do Near the Monongahela Incline

📷 Monongahela Incline Website

The Monongahela Incline Upper Station opens up to Shiloh Street and Grandview Ave. on Mt.  Washington.  A must for new-comers, the Grandview Overlook offers one of the best views of the city as well as some of it’s most impressive real estate.  Looking for a bite to eat?Visitors can also enjoy one of the many restaurants on Shiloh street.  We recommend J&Js for breakfast or Gordo’s Tacos for a tasty dinner.  Cocktails at The Summit or ice cream from DiFiore’s serves as the perfect nightcap!

The Mon’s Lower Station drops passengers at Station Square, a newly renovated area bustling with good eats.  Try out Tupelo Honey for a twist on southern cooking or the equally delicious Terrene, a great week-day lunch spot.  Station Square is also home to the Station Square Landing & Marina the starting point for Cruisin’ Tiki Huts and other boating activities!

History

📷 Britta Moletz

Things to Do Near the Duquesne Incline

📷 Britta Moletz

Located just west of the Mon Incline, the Duquesne Incline Upper Station is nestled between some of the top culinary experiences in the Burgh.  Planning an upcoming anniversary or birthday?  Try Altius for stunning views and a menu equally mouthwatering.  Other options include LeMont and Vue 412!  Be sure to check out the Point of View Statue while at the top as well for a truly authentic Pittsburgh skyline experience!

The Duquesne Lower Station drops visitors on West Carson Street.  From here East Carson and central Southside are an easy drive.  Similar to Mt. Washington, the Southside neighborhood has its own eclectic vibe and things to do for visitors and locals alike.  We recommend heading to Hofbräushaus for German beer and food.  From there take a walk along the Southside Riverfront Trail for beautiful views and greenery!

How They Work

📷 Monongahela Incline Website

Once on board, passengers notice there are no conductors in the car itself. Instead, the conductors control the cables from the upper station, adjusting accordingly as the car ascends and descends.  The cars operate simultaneously, with one being lowered as the other is raised.  In this way the cars remain balanced so that the engine need only compensate for the friction and weight difference in passengers between both cars.

How to Ride the Pittsburgh Inclines

📷 Vidar Nordli-Mathise

The Inclines make it easy with roundtrips available for purchase at both stations.  Special discounts are available for children, seniors, and students as well so be sure to check their websites before going!

The Mon Incline accepts credit cards, as well, as cash! Duquesne Incline is CASH only but will accept Port Authority bus passes. Wheelchair accessibility for the Duquesne Incline is available via the Upper Station on Grandview Ave.

We also highly suggest bringing exact change, as it will make riding smoother and easier! Detailed fares info can be found here: Monongahela Incline & Duquesne Incline.