William A. Magee

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This article is about the mayor of Pittsburgh, for other people named William Magee see William Magee (disambiguation).

William Anderson Magee (1873-1938) was born in Pittsburgh's "Hill District" neighborhood the site of the present day Mellon Arena and the region's hub for African American culture. Before becoming mayor he gained his reputation by serving as Assistant District Attorney for Allegheny County of which Pittsburgh is the County Seat. He twice served as Mayor of Pittsburgh, from 1909 to 1914, and again from 1922 to 1926.

[edit] Pittsburgh politics

Magee oversaw several developments in the city, the most notable of which were the opening of the first National League concrete baseball park Forbes Field in the city's Oakland neighborhood (to top that achievement the Pittsburgh Pirates won their first World Series in their first season in the park).

On policy the Magee administration instituted a motorized police force for the first time in the city. He also oversaw the local institution of the national prohibition laws during his second term in office. He was the first man to serve the new expanded four year term for the Mayor's office.

See also: List of Mayors of Pittsburgh

[edit] Honors

Mayor Magee lives on through both Magee-Womans Hospital and Magee Street in the city, both were named for the family as well as the Mayor.

Preceded by: George W. Guthrie	Mayor of Pittsburgh 1909–1914	Succeeded by: Joseph G. Armstrong
Preceded by: Edward V. Babcock	Mayor of Pittsburgh 1922–1926	Succeeded by: Charles H. Kline