Hill District Live Cam
A grouping of historically African American neighborhoods in the City of Pittsburgh
History
The Hill District is a historic African-American neighborhood located in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The neighborhood is situated just east of downtown and is known for its rich cultural heritage and prominent role in the city's history.
The Hill District was originally settled in the mid-19th century by European immigrants, but by the early 20th century, it had become a predominantly African-American neighborhood. During the Great Migration, thousands of African-Americans from the South migrated to Pittsburgh and settled in the Hill District, which became a thriving center of African-American culture and commerce.
In the early 20th century, the Hill District was a hub of jazz music and nightlife. Legendary musicians such as Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, and Billy Strayhorn all performed in the neighborhood's nightclubs and theaters. The Hill District also had a thriving business district, with many African-American-owned businesses and professional offices.
In the 1950s and 1960s, however, the Hill District began to experience significant economic and social challenges. Urban renewal projects and highway construction led to the destruction of many homes and businesses in the neighborhood, and many residents were displaced. The construction of the Civic Arena, for example, displaced over 8,000 residents and hundreds of businesses.