There is no foot of American soil richer in historical incident than the point of land at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers. Here began that struggle between France and England which was destined to involve many nations in its course, to endure through two generations, and cover with its ravages the face of the civilized world. About the rude fortification at the head of the Ohio cluster a score of names illustrious on the page of history. The later annals of this spot are scarcely less interesting.<br><br>In the following pages we have attempted an outline of the story of Pittsburgh. Within the compass of a single small volume it has been impossible to relate all the details of that story; but we have tried to preserve the thread of the narrative and to embody the more striking events. We have not aimed to make a book of Indian stories. We have not aimed to make a book of industrial and social statistics. What we have aimed to do has been to present a sketch of the origin and early development of our city that should be correct as to matters of fact and as attractive as possible. We trust the reader will find entertainment and profit in contemplating the old days of Pittsburgh.