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Proclamation recognizing the 150th Anniversary of the Monongahela Incline.
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WHEREAS, on May 28, 2020 one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic symbols - the Monongahela Incline -turned 150 years old; and
WHEREAS, opened on May 28, 1870, the Monongahela Incline, commonly called the Mon Incline, was the City of Pittsburgh’s first funicular, which is the technical term for a transit system powered by a cable traction designed for steep inclines; and
WHEREAS, added to The National Register of Historic Places in 1977, this icon of Pittsburgh history was built to transport workers up and down "Coal Hill" which was otherwise almost inaccessible from the city proper. "Coal Hill" is now known as Mount Washington; and
WHEREAS, over the years, the Mon Incline has undergone a few cosmetic changes and upgrades, but it remains the oldest continuously operating railway system of its kind in the country; and
WHEREAS, over a half-million riders take the up-and-down trip each year, many looking to enjoy one of Pittsburgh’s spectacular cityscape views; and
WHEREAS, though only two inclines remain, Pittsburgh was once home to almost two dozen inclines, which provided residents and their vehicles access to neighborhoods above the steep hills that surround the city; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Allegheny County Council Vice President Bob Macey and All Members of Council, do hereby recognize the 150th Anniversary of the Monongahela Incline, and we thank the incline for continuing to provide Allegheny County residents and visitors an opportunity to better explore all that Allegheny County has to offer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 9th day of June 2020.