Altoona, Pennsylvania

Altoona, Pennsylvania is steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty.  Found at the base of the lovely Allegheny Mountains, Altoona acts as the cultural and economic hub of Blair County.

When the first settlers arrived in the mid 1700's, the Iroquois Nation dominated the region, and Benjamin Franklin constructed a series of forts to protect the populace.  Near Altoona, Fort Roberdeau still stands, a 47-acre tract that includes a museum and educational center.  In the early 1800's, Blair County became the center of iron making when the Allegheny Furnace started production.  The Allegheny Portage Railroad completed construction in 1834, and Altoona came to life as a boomtown.  This remarkable feat of engineering found a way through the rugged mountains and rail-lines started competing with the Pennsylvania Canal System for hauling coal and iron.  Altoona is located just on the approach of the phenomenal Horseshoe Curve, which helped ease the tremendous upward grade that the trains needed to climb.

The Pennsylvania Railroad helped develop Altoona into a major railroad city.  Locomotives, cars and other railroad equipment were manufactured here, an enormous industry through the years when the nation became connected by rail.  While manufacturing for the railroad industry has declined in modern times, Altoona remains a center for repair and maintenance for locomotives.  The interstate highway system finally connected with Altoona in the 1990's, and the city finds itself growing once again.  The Altoona Enterprise Program and wise city leaders have encouraged new manufacturing firms to relocate to the city, as well as revitalizing major areas and promoting new economic growth.

Because of its importance as a Railroad City, Altoona was often considered a major target during war.  Robert E. Lee tried to reach the city but was halted at the Battle of Gettysburg.  World War II brought a German plot to cut the Horseshoe Curve line and halt all movement of the badly needed iron.  That plot also failed, and Altoona escaped danger again.

Considered a college town today, Altoona is home to Penn State University as well as the Altoona School of Commerce.  The city plays host to the Downtown Music Fest in July, as well as Homecoming Weekend in June.  Altoona's population of almost 50,000 (Census 2000 data) enjoy their many historic sites, including Leap the Dips, the world's oldest roller coaster, and of course the Altoona Railroaders Museum.  The Baker Mansion, a lovingly restored 1840 Greek Revival home for Ironmaster Elias Baker, proudly graces the city.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Altoona offers the picturesque Prince Gallitzin State Park, over 6,000 acres of natural beauty.  Contained within the park is Glendale Lake, a hot spot for fishermen and boaters alike.  The Canoe Creek State Park lies twelve miles from Altoona, giving residents a place to swim, stroll, and scout for the abundant wildlife and vast array of birds.

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