The Pump House dates back to 1892 when it was built by the Carnegie Steel Company. That same year, it was the site of the Battle of Homestead, a defining moment in the nation’s labor history. Today, the building and its adjacent water tower help to interpret the tumultuous events of 1892, as well as to highlight the illustrious steel-making legacy of the region.
Pittsburgh became the steel capital of the United States in the mid-1800s. The city's location, abundant raw materials, and European skilled workers led to a period of rapid industrialization. By the early 20th century, Pittsburgh was producing nearly half of the nation's steel.