Private Tour
Fire in the Valley- Carnegie Steel and the Town That Built America
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Pittsburgh's Steel Valley along the Monongahela River made the steel which built America and fueled the Arsenal of Democracy for two World Wars. You will learn how the Steel Valley evolved from being the Gateway to the West to being the Silicon Valley of the East.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Certified guide
Extraordinary extensive personal narration the length of the Experience
Gratuities
Landing and facility fees
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Multi-millionaire industrialist George Mesta's wife Pearl held court here before she moved to the Nations' Capital and became "The Hostess with the Mostess".
Homestead
As the location of the largest steel mill on the planet, this town played an essential role in the story of not just America but the entire industrial world. Presidents, Royalty, and even Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev made to pilgrimage to the "Steel Capital of the World".
Options
Fire in the Valley- Carnegie Steel and the Town That Built America
Pickup included
Reviews
145 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Pride of Pittsburgh
jleanna586,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00George gave us a very memorable tour of Pittsburgh! His knowledge of the city history and steel industry was just what we were looking for. I would highly recommend joining George on this tour. His pride of his city is unforgettable! Thanks George
Great worthwhile tour of Pittsburgh and its history
Terry H,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time on this tour with George. I can’t imagine anyone else knowing more about the area than he does. He was able to answer all our questions about the city and the steel industry both current and historical. He engaged with us the whole time and asked fun questions that kept us engaged. We would definitely recommend this tour, especially to those who like history.
Fire in the Valley is fire.
Susan V,
Aug 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I loved this sweet tour with George, who really brings the history to Pittsburgh lore.. it made my visit interesting.
The explanation is amazing.
tsuyoshi n,
Jun 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I enjoy learning about history. Baseball, steel. He is eager to tell us more about his long-time local upbringing. He changed his plans flexibly and is a friendly guide and driver. It will be a good memory. I recommend George.
Great tour
Natalie V,
Jun 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00George is so fun! We learned facts about Pittsburgh and the steel industry. Would highly recommend it!
You'll be in good hands with George - be ready for anything!
dogs in heaven,
May 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We searched for a tour to give us an overall view of the city's industrial history. We saw ghost tours, drinking tours, food tours, etc., but we wanted more of a historical view. George did not disappoint. His passion for the city's history, transformation, and current place in an ever-changing world came through in spades! What an enjoyable couple of hours (+-). George shared his family's history through many stories and photographs. Although George could easily talk for hours, he also listened carefully to our questions and considerately tried to tailor the tour to our diverse interests. You never know what to expect on any given tour; you'll be in good hands with George.
George was the perfect tour guide! Personable, friendly, knowledgeable, funny. Highly recommend with George for guide.
Elisa L,
May 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00George was an Excellent tour guide bringing his own personal experiences with Pittsburgh steel into the tour. A must do
Enjoyable to learn about...
Cathy P,
Apr 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Enjoyable to learn about the history of Pittsburgh with an informed local. Fun to hear about George 's connection to the area.
Great intro to Pittsburgh!
H8953EPjohny,
Mar 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00George is so knowledgeable and his passion for his city is really apparent. He took the time to get to know us and find out what brought us to Pittsburgh, so he could personalize the tour for us. This is a great tour!
Mr. Pittsburgh
David B,
Mar 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00George gave a great tour. He was so knowledgeable and willing to share stories about Pittsburgh beyond the scope of the tour. He is definitely a great ambassador for the city. He gave a recommendation to visit the flight 93 memorial that we were not aware that it was in Pennsylvania - a great tip. Highly recommend this tour with George.
Related Experiences
Operated by The Essential Pittsburgh Experience