Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

Economy

In the late 1700s farming played a critical role in the growth of the area. There was a surplus of grain due to transportation difficulties in linking with the eastern portion of the state. As a result, the farmers distilled the grain into whiskey, which significantly helped the farmers financially.

Related Topics:
1700s - Whiskey

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The area quickly became one of the key manufacturing areas in the young country. Pittsburgh quickly became the largest inland port in the nation, which it remains today. Coupled with deposits of iron and coal and the easy access to waterways, the city quickly became one of the most important steel producing areas in the world.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

With the decline of the steel industry, the area shifted to other industries. Today the area is known for its hospitals, universities, and industrial centers. Because of this, the city is the home to a number of large companies such as the H J Heinz Corporation.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~