How Pittsburgh Got Its ‘H’ Back
Most of us know how our city got its name — from the British earl and Prime Minister William Pitt. But the spelling of Pittsburgh is far less straightforward. Over time, we’ve debated, lost, and reclaimed our H. So why was it so complicated to agree on one letter? We’re bringing back a conversation between host Megan Harris and historian and author Virginia Montanez to learn about the basic rules of how we spell things (really), why Pittsburgh was so bad at it (shocking), and how newspapermen and intellectuals made everything worse (¯\_(ツ)_/¯).
**This episode originally aired July 22, 2024.
Learn more about the sponsors of this February 18th episode:
The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens
Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
- Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.
- We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
- Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
‘Your City Could Be Better’: The Trick to Getting People To Volunteer — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
It’s not a given that every Pittsburgher will chip in to help their community. In this episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with writ...
Paid Leave, Doxxing & Teen Curfew Lawsuit
Allegheny County's paid parental leave proposal has sparked tons of debate, and now the conversation has veered somewhere darker. Host Me...
Rick Sebak on Hot Dog Doc, Pittsburgh Rites of Passage & Warhol's Burial Place
Beloved documentarian Rick Sebak has spent 50 years in public broadcasting, and WQED is celebrating with a Summer of Sebak marathon. (We'...
A Controversial Plan To Fund Downtown
Downtown Pittsburgh has seen a lot of investment lately, from a revamped Market Square to the newly built Arts Landing. Now City Council'...
Storms, Smoke & What To Do This Week
Pittsburgh's weather has been on a tear. After days of wildfire smoke, forecasters are warning that severe storms could bring damaging wi...
5 Things Worth the Money in Pittsburgh
Everyone on social media is sharing the five things they think are worth the money, and we're hopping on the trend! Producer (and treatma...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Are Chattanoogans ‘Doing It Their Damn Selves’? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Sometimes it can feel like the Pittsburgh government is two (or more) steps behind the needs of its neighborhoods. Enter the residents of...
Exploding Bridge, Explosive Poops & Pittsburgh's Newest Pool
It's been an explosive week for Pittsburgh. Executive producer Mallory Falk, producer Sophia Lo, and contributor and City Paper managing...
Cannabis, Skill Games & More Hot Topics Missing From PA Budget
Pennsylvania's facing some big questions. Should we legalize cannabis? Regulate data centers and skill games? Raise the minimum wage? If...
Pittsburgh's Best Ice Cream. Plus, an Ode to Texas de Brazil
If you're out in this heatwave, don't forget to hydrate — and make a stop at a local ice cream shop! Host Megan Harris is with City Cast...