Prominent Pittsburgh Pioneers & Inventors
Pittsburgh was called home by many famous pioneers in science, journalism, and medicine, including Nellie Bly, Rachel Carson, Frank Conrad, Samuel Langley, Jonas Salk, Robert Fulton and Thomas Starzl.
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George Blaisdell
An oilman from the small town of Bradford, in western Pennsylvania, George Blaisdell invented the first Zippo lighter.
An oilman from the small town of Bradford, in western Pennsylvania, George Blaisdell invented the first Zippo lighter.
Rachel Carson
A biologist and writer on nature and science, Rachel Carson is best known for her 1962 book “Silent Spring,” which touched off a major controversy on the effects of pesticides. She was born in Springdale, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh.
A biologist and writer on nature and science, Rachel Carson is best known for her 1962 book “Silent Spring,” which touched off a major controversy on the effects of pesticides. She was born in Springdale, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh.
George W. Ferris
Ever wonder who invented the Ferris Wheel? It was a bridge builder from Pittsburgh - George W. Ferris - who built the first Ferris Wheel for the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago.
Ever wonder who invented the Ferris Wheel? It was a bridge builder from Pittsburgh - George W. Ferris - who built the first Ferris Wheel for the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago.
Robert Fulton
Robert Fulton, son of Irish immigrants, was born in Lancaster, PA and later moved to the Western PA area. Best known for bringing steamboating from the experimental stage to commercial success, he also designed a system of inland waterways, a steam warship and a submarine.
Robert Fulton, son of Irish immigrants, was born in Lancaster, PA and later moved to the Western PA area. Best known for bringing steamboating from the experimental stage to commercial success, he also designed a system of inland waterways, a steam warship and a submarine.
Samuel Langley
Aviation pioneer who launched the first rubber-band-powered flying machine from the Allegheny Observatory of Pittsburgh in 1891.
Aviation pioneer who launched the first rubber-band-powered flying machine from the Allegheny Observatory of Pittsburgh in 1891.
Jonas Salk
Following World War II, Jonas Salk headed the viral-research program at the University of Pittsburgh, where he later developed the polio vaccine.
Following World War II, Jonas Salk headed the viral-research program at the University of Pittsburgh, where he later developed the polio vaccine.
George Westinghouse
George Westinghouse was responsible for the introduction and development of many new technologies and inventions including alternating current for light and power, the air brake used in trains, etc. He founded Westinghouse Electric, in Pittsburgh, as well as 59 other companies.
George Westinghouse was responsible for the introduction and development of many new technologies and inventions including alternating current for light and power, the air brake used in trains, etc. He founded Westinghouse Electric, in Pittsburgh, as well as 59 other companies.
Nellie Bly
Born in Apollo, Pennsylvania, in 1864, Elizabeth Jane Cochrane revolutionized journalism for women under her pen name "Nellie Bly." Her journalism career got its start in Pittsburgh with the "Pittsburg Dispatch."
Born in Apollo, Pennsylvania, in 1864, Elizabeth Jane Cochrane revolutionized journalism for women under her pen name "Nellie Bly." Her journalism career got its start in Pittsburgh with the "Pittsburg Dispatch."
Frank Conrad
Known as the father of public broadcasting, his small garage-based station behind his home on the borderline between Pittsburgh and Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, was the first commercial radio station in the U.S - KDKA radio.
Known as the father of public broadcasting, his small garage-based station behind his home on the borderline between Pittsburgh and Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, was the first commercial radio station in the U.S - KDKA radio.
Thomas Starzl
Thomas E. Starzl, a pioneer in transplant surgery, works at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
Thomas E. Starzl, a pioneer in transplant surgery, works at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).