Pittsburgh boasts its fair share of urban legends and unsolved mysteries. One mystery, first uncovered in 2011, continues to barrel forward with plenty of speculation by Pittsburghers but no definitive conclusion. Perhaps you have the answer to Pittsburgh’s unsolved protractor mystery?
Do you remember the last time you used – or even saw – a protractor? For many, it was simply a tool we used in math class.
Flickr/Dean Hochman
But that simple mathematical tool sits at the center of one of Pittsburgh’s most unique mysteries.
Flickr/dynamosquito
Back in 2011, Pittsburghers began to notice protractors suddenly appearing, attached to the oddest of places: The side of a mailbox, on the back of a bench, on bridges, and even on doors, the latter of which isn’t really that odd.
Flickr/Kordite
The protractors range in color – blue, green, red, and light purple – and each features a unique number, with the highest found so far in the mid-450s.
Flickr/Kordite
Said to be attached with superglue, the protractors have long left Pittsburghers baffled though theories abound – from the protractors being placed by a disgruntled mathematician to an artist using the city as her canvas to create intrigue.
Flickr/Kordite
Pittsburgher Eric Lidji began documenting the appearance of the mysterious protractors, the majority of which were originally concentrated in the Polish Hill Area.
Flickr/Jo Guldi
The lure of the mystery began to wane as the years passed while the protractors themselves seemed to disappear – either removed by authorities or stolen – which led to a second wave of protractors popping up in Pittsburgh again.
Flickr/Kordite
What do you think of Pittsburgh’s unsolved protractor mystery? What are your theories on who has been leaving the protractors around the city since 2011? Share your theories below!
Flickr/Dean Hochman
Flickr/dynamosquito
Flickr/Kordite
Flickr/Jo Guldi
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