Trip #673 Napoleon Street, Beechview, Pittsburgh took place on October 17, 2021, and was published on December 15, 2021.
Napoleon, the French military and political leader of the early nineteenth century, died in exile on an island off the coast of West Africa in 1821. Was this is the same Napoleon city planners were thinking of when they formally established Napoleon Street? In 1923, this street (previously named Norway Avenue and Second Avenue) was solidly plotted and occupied from Coast to Bayonne Avenues. Given the population density and rolling hills, I imagine there must have been wooden stairs before the city installed the “modern” version in the late 1940s. But like the ever-shifting winds that changed Napoleon Bonaparte’s final years, so too is the fate of the street that once carried his name. The street sign may be gone, but remains of the stairs cling to the hillside—like a statue commemorating long-ago times and forgotten victories.
Field Notes: When I visited this flight, I originally thought I had stumbled upon another set that was not included in Bob Regan’s book – I was so excited! I grabbed photos right then and there (this was back in mid-October) But then I discovered it was in this list, just a bit further down. Due to all the erosion, I think this area has changed quite a bit since Bob was here – the road has been widened and the flight “chopped” off. There are several retaining walls both older and newer.
Love city steps? Get yourself the latest issue of Mis.Steps: Our Missed Connections with Pittsburgh’s City Steps! Each copy is unique and features 10 randomly selected “trading cards” of Pittsburgh’s 739 public stairways. Visit the Mis.Steps online store to see all issues and place your order.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
Be a good neighbor! Have you visited these stairs and found them in poor condition or that illegal dumping (large items like tires, old furniture, and construction debris) and trash were abundant in the area? There are two things you can do to take action and make our city steps cleaner and safer for everyone! First, grab a photo if you can, and submit a report to Pittsburgh 311. All problems, both broken stairs, and railings, as well as trash and dumping, should be reported to the city. You can easily do this online or by calling.
