Downtown Pittsburgh has transformed itself since its 'Steel City' days.
(Ann Hermes / The Christian Science Monitor)Photos (1 of 1)
Sparkling Pittsburgh, latest G20 host, needs new nickname
By Laurent Belsie | 09.14.09
Pittsburgh is a city in need of a new moniker. “Steel City” just doesn’t fit anymore.
It’s more software than smokestack these days, which is why President Obama, impressed when he campaigned here, has chosen it as the site of the Sept. 24-25 summit of the Group of 20 nations. He’ll point to its reinvention as a growing center for companies involved in information and communications technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. (Click on the video on the right for a look at how the city has transformed itself.)
Steel mills? There’s just one left in the city limits.
Pittsburghers are a proud sort for whom Steel City is a kind of badge of gritty honor. But Pittsburgh has come a long way in cleaning up that dirty past and is working hard to build its reputation as a leading American green city.
So what should it call itself? “Renaissance City” belongs to Providence, R.I. One returnee has suggested “Comeback City,” but Cleveland tried that in the 1990s.
Perhaps when foreign leaders arrive later this month they’ll see with fresh eyes this uniquely American burg shoehorned between rivers and steep hills and come up with a name that befits its latest reincarnation.
Comments
2. Ann | 09.15.09
I agree with the earlier comment and mirror that sentiment.
Its a fair question to ask Laurent. But so many of the family owned and closely held businesses in Pittsburgh and the region trace their roots to the steel industry. While there have been new and successful examples of new industries taking hold here, Pittsburgh’s steel past, and our successful transition from it, are something for us to be proud of as residents. Its important to note, however, that the backbone of Pittsburgh’s recovery and transition has been those small and family owned businesses.
In truth, the work ethic and skills “forged” in the steel days have been a driving force behind Pittsburgh’s transition. The same entrepreneurial spirit that built the steel industry, and associated businesses, found new and better ways to prosper in changing times.
In that respect - Pittsburgh will always be the “Steel City.”
Ann Dugan
Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence
Katz Graduate School of Business
University of Pittsburgh
http://blog.mediag20pittsburgh.com/
3. Joe Balaban | 09.15.09
There is not a working steel mill within the city. There may be a rolling plant. But the actual manufacturing of steel no longer takes place within Pittsburgh. The closest is in the nearby community of Braddock in the Mon Valley.
4. Jennifer Onaitis Legler | 09.16.09
As a native of the Pittsburgh area, just today, as I rode the DC Metro into work, I smiled at two men- one older, one younger- wearing Steeler caps. I thought how the Steelers, and Steel, tie so many of us together. To move away from our Steel City nickname would be like saying the Alamo doesn’t matter to San Antonio, Motor City doesn’t apply to Detroit (sad), City of Angels no longer fits LA, and that Philly would give up being the Quaker City. If you want to nominate cities that should change their nickname, then perhaps Akron, Ohio should give up being the Rubber Capital of the World. I love the steel and the Steelers that link our city and its people.
5. Derek | 09.16.09
The nickname “Steel City” helps and hurts Pittsburgh’s image.
On the one hand, the cities proud industrial past leaves a hardworking legacy that few places enjoy and it should not be forgotten. We didn’t make chewing gum for goodness sake, we made STEEL; the heavy metal that built this country.
It hurts us because those who don’t know the city still assume there are nothing but loud factories and smoke filled skies as opposed to stunning skyscrapers, museums, clubs, unique neighborhoods, excellent universities etc.
With the way things have been developing in the city this decade and the projects that will continue to come in the foreseeable future, I won’t be surprised if Pittsburgh becomes known as “The Model U.S. City”
6. Ed Kosak | 09.16.09
Pittsburgh has been green for decades. We the most trees of any city our size in America, and who knows, maybe the world. We are hard working, friendly, generous people. We have steel in our spirit…and we should never change from “Steel City”.
7. Ruth | 09.16.09
“City of Bridges”
Not only the physical bridges themselves (and Venice may be the only other city with more) but the symbolism of linking the past with the future is also applicable. Added bonus - it’s practically impossible to take a picture of the city without a bridge in it. As shown above.
Plus the design of the David L Lawrence Convention Center was inspired by the City’s bridges.
8. Leah A. | 09.16.09
As someone born and raised in Pittsburgh I completely disagree that we should have a new nickname. The Steel City is a nickname that honors the hard work of our ancestors who helped build this city into what it is today.
9. Eric Rusell | 09.17.09
This is absurd. Pittsburgh is and always will be the “Steel City”. It is where steel was born in America. It is the home of industrialization, and its entire culture is connected in some way to steel.
I live in Pittsburgh, and I love the city’s history. Pittsburgh’s museums, libraries, and murals all show Pittsburgh’s rich history of industry and commerce.
Let Pittsburghers dictate what we nickname our city.
10. Terry Hartnett | 09.17.09
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh and totally disagree with changing our name as the “Steel City.” I am proud of our heritage and the sweat and blood of my ancestors who helped to make this city the industrial giant that it is today. We are also the “Steel City” in terms of our strength and character. When jobs left here in the 1980’s the city revived itself and grew. That’s what being made of steel is all about. It’s the heart of Pittsburgh and can’t and shouldn’t be replaced.
11. Eric Rusell | 09.17.09
I want to know why my comment was deleted???? City of Steel is what Pittsburgh is and always will be! Everything from our libraries, sports teams, to museums, to schools and universities commemorate this rich history of industry.
City of Steel for EVER!
12. Maggie Henry | 09.17.09
Pittsburgh will always be “The Steel City”, its a heritage thing and to suggest otherwise is preposterous! This is what happens when the government permits greedy US corporations outsource AMERICAN jobs. We need to learn from history, not rename it.
13. denise edwards | 09.18.09
Should we rename the Steelers to the CPAs because there are more accountants than professional football players?
Manufacturing and railroad built not only Pittsburgh, but the country. I agree with the writer from the Katz business school.
Pittsburgh resurgence has been democratic, even. Our neighborhoods and municipalities have and continue to suffer. As in every city, downtown rocks, but attention and manufacturing investment is demanded in the surrounding communities.
14. Brian | 09.25.09
I haven’t lived in Pittsburgh for almost 20 years now, but it remains “home” to me and many others who are part of the Pittsburgh diaspora. It’s wonderful to see it shine now, and that very image to me suggests that the “Steel City” is still a valid nickname. While paying homage to our roots and those who built Pittsburgh, the moniker quite appropriately points to the future, suggesting gleaming brilliance and enduring strength.
If nothing else, Pittsburgh has certainly demonstrated it has that!
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1. Kelly | 09.14.09
I disagree that Pittsburgh needs a new nickname. No, perhaps “Steel City” no longer fits, and true, we do have more software than steel these days. But steel built this city up, and then tore it down again, leaving open the path that’s allowed us to develop those things President Obama was so impressed with. Steel has left a mark on this city, and it’s one that will not go away quietly or easily. Calling Pittsburgh the “Steel City” reminds us of where we’ve come from, and also where we’re going.