Mexican War Streets Historic District
Mexican War Streets is located in Pittsburgh
Mexican War Streets
Mexican War Streets is located in Pennsylvania
Mexican War Streets
Mexican War Streets is located in the United States
Mexican War Streets
LocationIrregular pattern between Buena Vista to the north and North Ave. to Reddour St. (increase),
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Coordinates40°27′21.23″N 80°0′41.40″W / 40.4558972°N 80.0115000°W / 40.4558972; -80.0115000
Area27 acres (11 ha) (original)
25.7 acres (10.4 ha) (increase)
Architectural styleLate 19th and 20th Century Revivals, Greek Revival, Late Victorian (original)
Greek Revival, Italianate, Romanesque, Second Empire (increase)
NRHP reference No.75001612 and 08000845[1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHPMay 28, 1975 (original)
September 4, 2008 (increase)
Designated CPHDDecember 26, 1972[2]
Designated PHLF1976[3]

The Mexican War Streets, originally known as the "Buena Vista Tract," is a historic district that is located in the Central Northside neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The district is densely filled with restored row houses, community gardens, and tree-lined streets and alleyways. The area dates to around the time of the Mexican–American War.

Brief history

During the late nineteenth century, Allegheny, Pennsylvania (later annexed by Pittsburgh), became known for its stately homes that were occupied by some of the area's wealthy families. One such area became known as the Mexican War Streets. It was developed from land owned by William Robinson Jr., an ex-mayor of the city of Allegheny, who subdivided the property into streets and lots in 1847.[4] Surveys for the development were made by Alexander Hays.[5]

A number of the streets are named after battles and generals of the Mexican–American War, including Buena Vista Street, Monterey Street, Palo Alto Street, Resaca Place, Sherman Avenue, and Taylor Avenue. Fremont Street (currently Brighton Place) had been named in recognition of John C. Frémont.

Historic District Designation

The 27-acre (11 ha) district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 with 119 buildings deemed to contribute to the historic character of the district.[1] In 2008, the district's listing was increased to include an additional 288 contributing buildings over a 25.7-acre (10.4 ha) area. It was expanded again during subsequent years.[6]

The general boundaries of the Mexican War Streets Historic District are Brighton Road to Federal Street (on the east and west) and North Avenue to Jefferson Street (on the south and north). As part of the designation, all exterior alterations to buildings within the Historic District that are visible from a public street or way must be reviewed and approved by the City of Pittsburgh's Historic Review Commission.[7]

References

  1. 1 2 "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. ↑ "Mexican War Streets Designated Historic District" (PDF). City of Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 8, 2010. Retrieved January 6, 2010.
  3. ↑ Historic Landmark Plaques 1968-2009 (PDF). Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. 2010. p. 14. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  4. ↑ Rooney, Dan; Peterson, Carol (2013). Allegheny City: A History of Pittsburgh's North Side. University of Pittsburgh Press. pp. 32–33. ISBN 978-0-8229-4422-5.
  5. ↑ Fleming, George T. (July 9, 1916). "Mexican Names for Local Streets". The Gazette Times. Pittsburgh. sec. 5, p. 2.
  6. ↑ "Background & Resources". Mexican War Streets Society. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  7. ↑ "Mexican War Streets Historic District Design Guidelines for the Issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness." Historic Review Commission of Pittsburgh. Retrieved 2021-05-28.
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