Pittsburgh Neighborhoods: History of Bloomfield

A Brief History of Bloomfield

Liberty Avenu in Bloomfield

Bloomfield is located three miles from downtown Pittsburgh. Many refer to it as “Little Italy” because of its huge Italian-American population. Today, this vibrant and diverse neighborhood is also home to other individuals of European descent as well as many college students, due to its proximity to the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. This area hasn’t forgotten about its routes though, as they host Little Italy Days every year.

Bloomfield has a similar founding and history to Friendship up until the late 1860s. It was settled by German Catholic immigrants around that time, getting its name from the blooming flowers near the original site of the town. In 1900, Italians from the Abruzzi region settled in this area, forming Immaculate Conception Parish in 1905. Both ethnic Italians and Germans still occupy the neighborhood and give it its personality today. As of the year 2000, many young adults described as “creative and hip” moved to the area, partly because of its rich ethnic history and affordability.

Fun Facts

Little Italy Sign in Bloomfield

A small park near the Bloomfield Bridge houses bocce courts, a nod to the Italian background of the area. Pittsburgh native Johnny Unitas returned to Bloomfield to play football after being cut by the Steelers in 1955. He played a season with the semi-pro team the Bloomfield Rams.

4 thoughts on “Pittsburgh Neighborhoods: History of Bloomfield”

  1. Graduated from WPH in 1952.Loved my time there. Bloomfield was a welcoming place to spend time off from work. Loved all the little shops and the Pleasure Bar for great Italian food. Many great memories.

  2. Dorothy (Cuban) Clear

    My hometown for the first 40 years of my life. I loved growing up there. It will always hold a special place in my heart. I try to go vack for Italian Days and the Halloween parade when I can.

  3. Pingback: Pittsburgh Neighborhoods: Lincoln-Larimer - Pittsburgh Beautiful

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