Mon River Crane

The Mon River Crane - I don't know what else to call it. This was a crane that could transfer material between barge, train, and truck. It was on the north bank of the Monongahela River opposite the US Steel Homestead Works on the south bank and visible looking east as you crossed the Homestead High Level Bridge. It was demolished in late 1988. I don't ever remember this crane in operation.

Mill1.jpg is a view of the Homestead Works from the High Level Bridge - it has since been demolished and is now the site of the Waterfront development.

Mill2.jpg is a view of the crane from the High Level Bridge shortly after demolition had started.

Mill3.jpg shows the full height of the crane - the boom that extended out over the train tracks (to the left in the picture) had long been removed, the boom that extended out over the river (to the right in the picture) had just been removed and is visible laying in the water in the previous picture.

Mill4.jpg answers the question, "Why do I even care?". The large "LUKE" graffiti, although not me was partly my handiwork, was clearly visible from the bridge ever since cutting school on Pittsburgh Pirate opening day in 1978 and painting it there. Hopefully the statute of limitations has expired.

Mill5.jpg is a close-up of a sign for the company which apparently built the crane - unfortunately, though, no date.

Click on the thumbnails for a larger view.

Additional pictures by popular demand - can you believe it! (added 3/07)

Mill6.jpg is a view of the Homestead Works partially demolished.

Mill7.jpg is a view looking into one of the buildings with the end demolished. This picture was bad to start with and is badly faded - it took me a while to figure out which way was up.

Mill8.jpg is another view of the crane looking upward near the base.

Mill9.jpg is a view of the Homestead Works looking south across the Mon.

Click on the thumbnails for a larger view.