Monongahala Incline, Pittsburgh

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Close to the Station Square area, and up on the side of Mt. Washington, you'll notice yet another vintage, but working incline! I had thought that the Duquesne Incline was singularly unique, but in fact, the Monongahela Incline is its even older, though arguably less famous sibling!

One source states that the Monongahela Incline was completed in May, 1870, and that the "Monongahela Incline" -- called the "Mon Incline" by locals -- is the oldest and steepest incline in the United States, as well as the nation's oldest cable car operation."

The Monongahela Incline is still a working means of transportation and convenient method for residents of Mt. Washington to get to downtown Pittsburgh for work or shopping. This incline runs the same "route" as the Duquesne Incline with its lower station located on W. Carson Street near the Smithfield Street Bridge, Station Square and Pittsburgh's light rail system.

Just as the Duquesne Incline, the Monongahela Incline is part of the Port Authority of Allegheny County; it was declared a historic structure by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation in 1970.

Fascinated as I am by the inclines, I regret not knowing that it even existed until by chance I looked up as we were leaving Station Square! It seems that it doesn't get the same publicity as the Duquesne Incline, perhaps because that incline also has a museum.

Monongahela Incline Facts:

Length: 635 feet
Elevation: 369.39 feet
Grade: 35 degrees, 35 minutes
Speed: 6 miles per hour
Passenger: Capacity 23 per car"

(source: about.com/pittsburgh)

I did not have the pleasure of riding the Monongahela Incline, but whenever we return to Pittsburgh it is on my list!

Reaching up to the top of Mount Washington is the Monongahela Incline - the oldest and steepest incline in the U.S. At a blood pumping speed of 6 mph, you can get to the top of Mount Washington or down to Market Square (shopping/restaurant area) for $1.75.