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All the United States Pennsylvania Pittsburgh West End Overlook

West End Overlook

The only way to see Pittsburgh is from the top of this lookout point, just like the ancient members of the native peoples did.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Added By
Thomas Harper
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The view at night.   Ronald C. Yochum, Jr on Wikipedia
The view at night.   Ronald C. Yochum, Jr on Wikipedia
Skyline from the West End Overlook   Thomas Harper
The view in the day.   Ronald C. Yochum, Jr on Wikipedia
  cbizzle16 / Atlas Obscura User
Fireworks over the city   hfloccari / Atlas Obscura User
  chasepopt / Atlas Obscura User
Street entrance to the overlook, which can be reached via a vine-covered pergola   blimpcaptain / Atlas Obscura User
West End Overlook Original photo   wpaxton99 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

If one sees a picture of the Pittsburgh city skyline, most likely it was taken at this small parklet that was once a Native American lookout, but has now turned into just an incredible vista for urban photographers.

Elliott's Bluff commands a wide view where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio River. Known locally as The Point, the raised look out point lies at the edge of Pittsburgh's downtown area. Before the city became an urban manufacturing hub, local Shawnee and other Native American tribes would survey their settlements from the top of the peak. Locals have long reported finding arrowheads on the site. 

Today, the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Elliott is on top of the bluff and the prime view of the skyline is part of a modern park, West End-Elliott Overlook Park, more commonly known as the West End Overlook, having been renovated in 2003. Before that, it was a simple turnaround that just happened to have a great view.

Now, landscaped gardens, benches, and a pavilion provide a more welcoming atmosphere to take in the view, catering to all of the amateur photographers that visit the spoke during the golden hour of the day. The elevated viewing point is also a popular place to catch fireworks and other outdoor events in the Steel City. Not bad for an area known for its industrial heritage. 

Related Tags

Geographic Markers Photography

Community Contributors

Added By

thomasharper

Edited By

EricGrundhauser, hfloccari, chasepopt, blimpcaptain...

  • EricGrundhauser
  • hfloccari
  • chasepopt
  • blimpcaptain
  • cbizzle16
  • wpaxton99
  • cat6hurrcne

Published

January 26, 2016

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Sources
  • http://old.post-gazette.com/neigh_city/20030804westend0804p2.asp
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_End_Overlook
West End Overlook
Marlow Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15220
United States
40.444764, -80.037005
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