Nestled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, between the vibrant Allegheny Center, Manchester, and East Allegheny neighborhoods, lies a historic enclave with a truly distinctive name: the Mexican War Streets. This intriguing moniker has piqued the curiosity of many, including local residents like Jeffrey Koscinski, father of WESA reporter Kiley Koscinski, who posed the simple yet compelling question, “Why is it called that?”. Similarly, Nathan Bell wondered about the connection to the Mexican War, especially given Pittsburgh’s seemingly distant geographical relationship to any conflict with Mexico.
Bell astutely points out that Pittsburgh wasn’t a direct battleground during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). However, the city’s connection to this pivotal moment in American history is more profound than one might initially expect, deeply interwoven with the neighborhood’s very foundation.
Pittsburgh’s Contribution to the Mexican-American War
To understand the name, we must journey back to the 1840s and the burgeoning conflict between the United States and Mexico. In 1845, the annexation of Texas by the U.S., formerly part of Mexico, ignited simmering border disputes and escalating tensions. By 1846, the American government deployed troops to the contested border region, and among them were volunteer soldiers hailing from Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas.
Michael Krauss, curator at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, explains, “The president called for volunteer troops from the states, and Pennsylvania provided two regiments, the 1st Pennsylvania Infantry and the 2nd Pennsylvania Infantry. Both of those had companies comprised of men from Pittsburgh.” These Pittsburgh-based regiments were not mere bystanders; they actively participated in the war effort. Departing from their home city, they traveled downriver to New Orleans, a major embarkation point, before being deployed to critical battlefields in Mexico.
Krauss vividly describes the nature of mid-19th-century combat, stating, “It’s like ‘Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots.’ You’re talking about muzzle-loading weapons that do not have an effective range of more than 100 to 200 yards. That’s how close you would have to be to your enemy as an infantry soldier.” This close-quarters combat, along with cavalry charges and the strategic use of cannons capable of firing up to a mile, defined the battles of the Mexican-American War. A key American tactic, Krauss notes, was to besiege and isolate Mexican fortifications to weaken them prior to assault.
Despite facing a numerically superior Mexican force, the American troops ultimately prevailed. The Mexican-American War concluded in 1848 after two years of intense fighting. Krauss characterizes it as “a very short war, but we’re fighting an international war outside of our boundaries, and it’s kind of the beginning of colonialism,” highlighting its significance beyond just territorial gains for the United States.
The Birth of the Mexican War Streets Neighborhood
Concurrent with the unfolding events of the Mexican-American War, significant developments were taking place in Allegheny City, which would later become part of Pittsburgh’s North Side. Former Allegheny City Mayor William Robinson recognized the potential of land he had acquired in this area and initiated the development of streets and homes. According to Krauss, the timing was perfect for a patriotic tribute, “And what better tribute than to name it after what was going on right then?”
The street names within the neighborhood directly reflect this wartime inspiration. Monterey Street, Palo Alto Street, and Resaca Street commemorate significant battles of the Mexican-American War. Taylor Avenue honors President Zachary Taylor, a prominent figure and war hero, while Fremont Street is named after Captain John Fremont, another key American military leader in the conflict.
Brittany Urban, Vice President of the Mexican War Streets Society, sheds light on the early residents, noting that many were “blacksmiths, tanners, and merchants.” The area also included farmland, evidenced by street names like Drovers Way, a “drover” being someone who herds cattle. These early families initially occupied modest homes, but as both Allegheny City and Pittsburgh prospered, so did the fortunes of the neighborhood’s inhabitants.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a period of expansion and architectural refinement in the Mexican War Streets. Many original homes were enlarged and remodeled, contributing to the distinctive architectural character that defines the neighborhood today. Despite its growth and increasing affluence, Allegheny City was annexed by Pittsburgh in 1907, a decision that was met with resistance from local residents, even reaching the U.S. Supreme Court before the annexation was finalized.
From Decline to Revival and Quirky Charm
Like many urban neighborhoods, the Mexican War Streets faced challenges in the 1970s and 80s, experiencing blight and rising crime rates. However, this period also marked the beginning of a cultural resurgence. The neighborhood’s unique character began to attract artists and cultural organizations, leading to the establishment of institutions like The Mattress Factory, Randyland, and City of Asylum, a sanctuary for writers exiled from their home countries.
Urban reflects on this transformation, stating, “Over time, thank goodness this area has been attractive to people who could see its potential and beauty and decided to work toward preserving it and turning it into something really beautiful and useful.” This dedication to preservation led to the Mexican War Streets being designated a historic district in 1975. This designation imposes guidelines on renovations and updates, ensuring the neighborhood retains its historic architectural integrity and prevents demolition and large-scale development.
Adding to its unique appeal, the Mexican War Streets embraces a touch of the unexpected. A few years ago, Venezuelan artists installed “River of Words,” a public art project featuring brightly colored words displayed on windows, gates, and doors throughout the neighborhood. These words, ranging from “zombie” to “baseball” to “atlas,” were chosen for their relevance to Pittsburgh. While intended as a temporary installation, the residents’ fondness for these quirky additions led to many becoming permanent fixtures, further solidifying the neighborhood’s distinctive and welcoming character.
So, while the name “Mexican War Streets” might initially evoke images of conflict, the neighborhood itself embodies a spirit of community, artistic expression, and historical preservation. It stands as a testament to Pittsburgh’s rich history and its ability to blend the echoes of the past with a vibrant and forward-looking present.
