Although it may be a surprise, the history of American football actually extends to the late 19th century. In the 1800s, the Allegheny Athletic Association was founded as an one of the country’s first independent football clubs.  The only club older was the Pittsburgh Athletic Club, which happened to be Allegheny’s main rival.

On this day, November 12th, in 1892, the Allegheny Athletic Association football team defeated the Pittsburgh Athletic Club.  The game was a rematch from a controversial 6-6 tie that occurred the previous month. Both clubs loaded their rosters with the best players from New York and Chicago to attempt to get the upper hand in the game.  The game was full of foul play and bad blood, but the Allegheny Athletic Association proved victorious.

The November game was played at Recreation Park, near the location of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ home field, Heinz Field.  There is a historic marker at Recreation Park to honor both teams’ contribution to the early history of American football.