Blair County, Pennsylvania

Blair County, Pennsylvania, formed in 1771, lies in the Central Region of the state.  The County's population (over 129,000 according to the Census 2000) stretches over 527 square miles of land.  The county seat is Hollidaysburg, a lovely small town with just over 5,000 residents.  Twenty-eight other towns and townships make up Blair County, with interesting names like Puzzletown, which is found at the foot of Blue Mountain, the second tallest mountain in Pennsylvania.  Blair County lies on the Allegheny Front, the eastern edge of the Appalachian Mountains.  Other intriguingly named towns are Roaring Spring, Tunnelhill and Freedom Township.  These quaint villages all have less than 3,000 residents.

By far, the most populated city in Blair County is Altoona.  Settled in the mid 1700's, it dislodged the original Iroquois residents.  Many stockades and forts were built throughout the County for protection from the Indians, including Fort Roberdeau, also known as the 'Lead Mine Fort' due to its valued protection of the lead mining operations in Sinking Stream Valley.  A fascinating place to visit, the fort contains many exhibits and a museum, along with an education center and nature trails.

In 1811, the Allegheny Iron Furnace was constructed, and Blair County began to grow and prosper.  The owner of the furnace built the Baker Mansion, still standing today as a testament to the wealth of that time, as is the lovely Royer Mansion.  The Pennsylvania Canal connected to Hollidaysburg in 1831.  The technological feat of constructing the Allegheny Portage Railroad happened in 1834, crossing over the Allegheny Mountains and opening the interior of the region to settlement and trade.  Today, the Portage Railroad is a National Historic Site, and a superb 1200-acre park remains there, with hiking trails and many exhibits to explore. 

The city of Altoona was located on the approach to the Railroad's Horseshoe Curve, a remarkable work of engineering, which provided an upward grade gradual enough for heavy trains to endure.  Today the curve has been designated a National Historic Landmark.  In 1858, its construction meant that rail service could begin to replace the canals, and Altoona's growth blossomed.  As the railroad era declined in America, Altoona has been connected to the interstate highway system that takes its place, and remains the center for culture and commerce in Blair County.  Penn State University calls Altoona home, and provides top-notch education for Blair County residents.

Blair County, Pennsylvania is an area steeped in railroad and mining history.  Full of charming, quaint villages as well as a modern city, Blair County can be a place to step into the past, or find a new future.

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