The First “Filling Station”

Car buffs might consider a pilgrimage to the corner of Baum Boulevard and St. Clair Street in Pittsburgh, where a historic marker commemorates the “First Drive-In Filling Station.” That breakthrough in automotive convenience made history a little over a century ago, in 1913. Baum Boulevard was then already known as “automobile row” because of the many car dealerships lining the street. So drivers could pull right in to the “Good Gulf Gasoline” station with their new vehicles and “fill ’er up.” The station offered free air and water, and sold the US’ first commercial road maps.