A true skyscraper on the University of Pittsburgh campus, the stone spire rises 42 stories into the air. Most classes meet in one of its rooms, including the renowned Nationality Rooms.
Founding of the University of Pittsburgh
In 1787, the western frontier of the United States barely had shifted beyond the three-river town of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Farsighted educators determined that an institution of higher learning was needed to serve the westward moving population. Thus, a charter was given to found Pittsburgh Academy, originally located in a log cabin near the confluence of the rivers. Over the years this humble beginning developed into the University of Pittsburgh or “Pitt” as it is commonly known.
Today there are about 30,000 students, major research facilities, a teaching hospital, and a high quality academic program ranking it among the best universities in the nation.
