Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania's popular nickname, "The Keystone State," refers to this necessary element. Like most nicknames, it is not known, for certain, where this name originated, but there are a few interesting thoughts about how this nickname came to be. They are all based on the theme of the necessity of a keystone in a supporting structure.

In the vote for independence, nine delegates to the Continental Congress were from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It's said that the Pennsylvania delegation was split; four for independence and four against. The deciding vote fell to John Morton.... who voted for independence. Pennsylvania's vote for independence was noted as the keystone vote; the supporting vote for a new government.

When the government was moved to Washington, D.C., a bridge was built over Rock Creek to Georgetown. This bridge was the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge. Pennsylvania's initials were carved into the "keystone" of the arch supporting the bridge.

Another explanation has it that Pennsylvania's geographic location, among the original thirteen colonies, was the basis for this nickname.

Though the nickname's origin is unknown, it's certain that it was in use around, or shortly after, 1800. It's reported that Pennsylvania was toasted as "...the keystone of the federal union" at a Republican presidential victory rally for Thomas Jefferson in 1802. Regardless of its origin, the nickname has come to represent Pennsylvania's geographic, economic, social and political impact on development of the United States.

The phrase "Three Rivers" is associated with the location of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The three rivers in Pittsburgh are the Monongahela River, the Allegheny River and the Ohio River.

The phrase "Three Rivers" has obviously been in use since Whites entered the area. But by the 1970s, it became a marketing campaign strategy. From events like The Three Rivers Arts Festival, every imaginable business and endeavor was named Three Rivers ___. Three Rivers Stadium, now torn down, was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates (baseball) and was one of the most famous places.

I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for, but the following are common sightseeing points in Pittsburgh.

• PNC Park
• Carnegie Museum of Natural History
• Cathedral of Learning
• Phipps Conservatory
• Pittsburgh Zoo
• Trinity Cathedral
• Monongahela Incline
• Mt. Washington
• Pittsburgh National Aviary
• Carnegie Science Center
• Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum Memorial
• Pittsburgh Children's Museum
• The Point
• The David L Lawrence Convention Center
• The Strip District
• Southside Commons
• Oakland
• Kennywood Park
• Station Square
• Fort Pitt Museum
• West End Overlook
• Clayton House

I tried to cover a broad spectrum. I hope at least some of these help answer your question.

340 miles taking this route:

1. Take I-79 NORTH, from Pittsburgh, to I-80 EAST to CLARION at EXIT 116A.
2. Take I-80 EAST to the Poconos.