This post is much more about the destination than it is about the ride itself, which sort of goes against the point of the column. It’s more of a “driving adjacent” story this time around. However, it is my column after all and I’m pretty sure that means I can do whatever I want with it. So, if that happens to bother you, well then I’m not sure what else to tell you aside from “get over it.” Sorry.
Anyways, over the weekend I made the trek out to Pittsburgh. It was about a 5 hour drive each way, and fairly uneventful aside from the occasional tunnel or nice view from the window. I had never been to Pittsburgh before, so I did all those cringe touristy things when I got there. My favorite of which, the Duquesne Incline, is what led me to this story.
When you get off at the top of the incline, you can look back from the south shore and have a truly breathtaking view of the city. You get likely one of the best angles of Point State Park and its iconic fountain, along with the rivers that intersect at that point. That’s where it gets controversial.
Pittsburgh is known as the “Three River City” because it is surrounded by the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers. However, the fable of the city’s three rivers is a lie. There’s only two rivers. They flow into one another. That’s still not three rivers though. Let’s look at a map and I’ll show you what I mean.
The Allegheny river (on top) intersects with the Monongahela river (bottom) to form the Ohio river. I understand that, and I understand why they would consider those three rivers. But the only reason it’s counted as three is because the Ohio river just starts there. Why? Why doesn’t the Allegheny or Monongahela take the name and continue? Oh you know, just like every other river.
Below is an example of the exact same dynamic playing out in Easton, PA. We see a point surrounded by rivers, just like in Pittsburgh. However, when the Lehigh river intersects with the Delaware river in this case, the Lehigh river stops and the Delaware continues. Crazy how that works, right? When they combine, a new river isn’t just created on the spot. One takes over and continues along on its merry way.
There are plenty of examples where one river keeps its name and continues all across the country, so why is Pittsburgh different? What makes their river synthesis special? I don’t have that answer. All I do know is that I’m with my dad when he explained, “The only way it’s three rivers is if they all come out of the ground right at the point and flow three separate ways. Other than that, I’m calling bullshit.”
Pittsburghers, I’m sorry to say it, but your prized three rivers are a lie. There are only two. From now on, I will be referring to the city only by its accurate name: The Two River City. And with that, I hope you all have a lovely week. I’ll be back soon to pick another fight with someone!
