Smithfield Street and It’s Murky Past
Smithfield Street is a significant artery in Pittsburgh’s Central Business District and South Shore. It connects to East Carson street via the Smithfield Street Bridge over the Mononagahela River. Named after Devereux Smith, a British pioneer who arrived in Pittsburgh around 1760, the street carries the echoes of his intriguing story. Smithfield Street’s existence is closely linked with the origins and growth of Pittsburgh, adding a unique flavor to its urban landscape.
The Man Behind the Name
Born in Warwickshire, Great Britain, in 1735, Devereux Smith was among the first pioneers to settle in what would later become Oakland. He gained prominence in Pittsburgh, partly due to his marriage ties. His son Edward wedded Margaret Castleman, daughter of Jacob Castleman, after whom Castleman Street is named. His daughter Mary became the spouse of William Amberson, lending her name to Amberson Avenue.
The Original Name
Smithfield Street was initially known as Smith’s Field Street or Smith’s Fields Street, as it bordered fields owned by Devereux Smith. However, this name was soon condensed to Smithfield, a testament to Pittsburgh’s preference for shorter, more easily pronounced names.
The Border Dispute
Smithfield Street’s history is intimately tied to a contentious property dispute between Pennsylvania and Virginia before the American Revolutionary War. Virginia, under its ambitious governor, sought to lay claim to the land north of the Mason-Dixon Line, an area that included Pittsburgh. This dispute, which saw residents of Pittsburgh caught in a tug-of-war between two colonies, left a lasting impact on the city’s history.
The Connolly Controversy
The dispute was further fuelled by Dr. John Connolly, a Pennsylvania native who pledged allegiance to Virginia. Connolly made bold attempts to assert control over western Pennsylvania, leading to his arrest by the authorities of Westmoreland County. Despite his subsequent release, Connolly returned with armed support from Virginia, assuming control of the courthouse where he was to be tried.
Devereux Smith: A Victim of the Dispute
Amidst this chaos, Devereux Smith found himself embroiled in the controversy. After Connolly’s takeover, Smith was arrested and taken to Virginia. Although he was released soon after, Connolly continued to harass him, seizing his belongings and intimidating his family.
The Aftermath
Despite the tumultuous times, Smith managed to live peacefully in Pittsburgh after the Revolution. The property dispute between Pennsylvania and Virginia, a precursor to the Civil War, was eventually resolved, with Pittsburgh remaining in Pennsylvania. Had the outcome been different, Pittsburgh’s industrial strength could have been Virginia’s asset, and Smithfield Street might have borne a different name.
Smithfield Street Today
Today, Smithfield Street stands as a testament to Devereux Smith’s legacy and the complex history of Pittsburgh. The street, while a bustling part of the Central Business District, also serves as a reminder of a time when the city was a disputed territory, the stage for power struggles, and the home of determined pioneers.
Smithfield Street, with its rich history, is more than just a thoroughfare in Pittsburgh. It is a symbol of the city’s resilience, a tribute to its pioneers, and a constant reminder of its intriguing past. So, the next time you find yourself on Smithfield Street, remember to appreciate the historical significance it holds, as it continues to be a vital part of Pittsburgh’s ever-evolving story.
