It takes its name from the town in Massachusetts, which early settlers felt bore a resemblance to the area.

[2] The dawn of the 20th century brought many technological advances that helped the South Hills of Pittsburgh flourish.

[3][4] Brookline was linked by streetcar to downtown Pittsburgh in 1905 by Pittsburgh Railways who built a single line south along West Liberty Avenue, turning east on a private right of way and then following Brookline Boulevard to Saw Mill Run.

[5] This initial line was cut back to Edgebrook Avenue a year later, but in 1909 the track was doubled and a loop put in near the end of Witt Street.

[6] Brookline has seven borders, including the Pittsburgh neighborhoods of Beechview to the northwest, Bon Air to the northeast, Carrick to the east and Overbrook to the southeast.