Neatly tucked into it’s own little North Side nook is a neighborhood of homes that date back to before the civil war - The Mexican War Streets. Developed around 1841 (about the same time of the Mexican - American War, hence the name), today the Mexican War Streets consist of densely packed victorian era styled row houses that sit along tree lined streets which are named after such battles and generals as Buena Vista, Monteray and Palo Alto. And while walking those historic streets is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon (and one which we here at Vibrant Pittsburgh surely do suggest), we must first mention that if not for the very love Pittsburghers have for their city, those streets would not be what they are today.
Once a home for horses, pigs, chickens and cows, the first homes built on The Mexican War Streets were for animal caretakers. It was from there that the streets began to develop, slowing down development during the Civil War and picking up speed again thereafter. It was the during the 1920’s, however, that the future of these homes went astray. With the invention of the automobile, people began picking up - leaving their homes and heading off to the ever growing popular suburbs. By the 1960’s The Mexican War Streets were all but abandoned and being prepared for demolition.
It was at this time that Pittsburghers caught wind of what was happening. Sticking by their city and having their own cultural history of being a people who see the potential in something sluggish (have we mentioned that Pittsburgh has completely bounced back from it’s industrial depression?), the Mexican War Street Society and the Pittsburgh History & Landmark Foundation teamed up to fight the plans of urban demolition and won!
Today the Mexican War Streets is one of Pittsburgh’s favorite communities that adds to its vast culture and colorful neighborhoods! To learn more about the Mexican War Streets and its tours click here: http://bit.ly/ZC5mCD
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