The Duquesne Incline first opened on May 17, 1877 as a steam powered freight operation. However, as residents of Mount Washington got tired of climbing the steep footpaths to reach their neighborhood, the incline began to serve passengers as well. Many other inclines were built along the hill, but by the 1960s, all had shut down with the exception of the Duquesne Incline and Monongahela Incline. The Duquesne Incline was almost shuttered as well in 1962. However, in 1963, the incline reopened under the auspices of the Society for the Preservation of The Duquesne Heights Incline, a nonprofit organization dedicated to operating, maintaining, and preserving the incline.

The incline remains in operation to this day and is one of Pittsburgh's most visited tourist attractions. The incline operates a route nearly 800 feet long at an incline of 30 degrees seven days a week. Although operated by the nonprofit, PAT passes are valid on the Duquesne Incline, and it is used by commuters in addition to tourists.