When exploring Pittsburgh, you might notice a few odd signs that leave off the “H”: the 1900s terracotta sculpture at Pennsylvania Station, the castle-like entrance to Lost Kennywood, and the historic leather-bound book in the Frick family’s Clayton mansion, pictured above.
That’s because, for nearly two decades at the turn of the 20th century, our city name was written without its last letter. But why?
✏️ How Pittsburgh Was Named
Pittsburgh was given its name by General John Forbes in 1758 in honor of British Earl and Prime Minister William Pitt. Because Forbes was Scottish, the pronunciation was likely intended to be “Pitts-burra” like Edinburgh’s “Eddin-burra.”
📜 The History Behind the Missing Letter
In 1891, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names wanted to standardize spellings across the country and ruled that Pittsburgh (along with many other cities) should drop the “H.”
Historian and author Virginia Montanez tells City Cast Pittsburgh that our “H” wasn’t necessarily “taken away.” The federal government wanted to streamline the spelling for things like maps and train stations — but that didn’t mean we had to comply.
The “Pittsburg’s Lost Kennywood” sign is inspired by the entrance to Luna Park, to the city’s original amusement park in Oakland. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
📣 The Return of Our Silent (Yet Mighty) ‘H’
In true Pittsburgh fashion, some residents were resistant to change, and a mix of both “Pittsburgh” and “Pittsburg” was used, even in newspapers and official city documents.
Some thought the “H” should be left to history. Montanez found a letter to the editor of the Pittsburgh Press that said the “H” spelling was “passé” and “wears the whiskers of time.”
The campaign to bring back the “H” began in 1905 with the Pennsylvania Railroad, Montanez says. The Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce joined in, and U.S. Senator George T. Oliver advocated for the change. On July 19, 1911 — 114 years ago this week! — the U.S. Board on Geographic Names reversed its original decision and restored the “H.”
💛 Pittsburgh Now Has an ‘H’ Identity
It’s hard to imagine the Burgh or PGH without the “H.” It’s just one letter, but it packs a punch. We’ve always been a city that calls (and pronounces) things whatever (and however) we want, and today, it sets us apart. There are Pittsburgs all across the country — from Illinois to Texas to California — but we’re the only ones that rallied to keep the “H.”
