The Price Hill Incline The Incline, completed in 1874, was the first of many in Cincinnati. The freight line, built in 1876, was the only one in town. There was never a serious accident on the Incline, and the first steam engines continued to provide power without a breakdown. In 1928, electricity replaced steam for operating the Incline. Price Hill's Incline was the only one of Cincinnati's inclines operated with that form of energy. The original cars were named "Highland Mary" and Lilly-of-the-Valley" by William Price, in honor of his sisters, Mary and Lilla Price. With the operation of the Incline and the horse drawn cars, the area now known as Price Hill enjoyed a reputation as an entertainment center. William Price built the famous Price Hill House, Pavilion, and picnic grounds in 1876. In the 1880's, it was the scene of many elaborate and gay events. People came from everywhere to ride the Incline, dine at the Hill House, enjoy the finest view of Cincinnati to be had, promenade the latest fashions along the boardwalk, watch Jim Jeffries or "Young" Corbett "work out" at the Pavilion, or catch a glimpse of some other notable visiting the area. The Incline continued to be the chief means of transportation for East Price Hill until July of 1943. Find your view Text source: EPHIA, East Price Hill Improvement Association Photos: Public Library of Cincinnati