Altoona

City in Pennsylvania, United States

Altoona

General Information
Name	Altoona
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	City
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates
Map
Population
Total	43,963
Density	per km²
Area
Total	km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC-5
DST	UTC-4

Altoona is a city in Blair County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is the principal city of the Altoona, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 43,963. Altoona is known for its significant role in the railroad industry and is home to the Horseshoe Curve, a National Historic Landmark.

History

Altoona was founded in 1849 by the Pennsylvania Railroad as a site for a shop and maintenance complex. The city's name is believed to be derived from the Latin word altus, meaning "high". Altoona was incorporated as a borough in 1854 and as a city in 1868. The city grew rapidly due to the presence of the Pennsylvania Railroad's extensive facilities, including the Altoona Works, one of the largest railroad shops in the world. During the American Civil War, Altoona was a significant transportation hub for the Union Army.

Geography

Altoona is located in central Pennsylvania, in the Allegheny Mountains. The city covers an area of approximately 9.8 square miles. It is situated at an elevation of about 1,200 feet above sea level.

Economy

The economy of Altoona has historically been centered around the railroad industry. The decline of the railroad in the mid-20th century led to economic challenges, but the city has since diversified its economy. Today, Altoona's economy includes healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing sectors.

Education

Altoona is served by the Altoona Area School District. The city is also home to Penn State Altoona, a commonwealth campus of Penn State University.

Transportation

Altoona is served by several major highways, including Interstate 99 and U.S. Route 220. The city is also served by the Altoona Transportation Center, which provides Amtrak rail service and Greyhound bus service.

Attractions

• Horseshoe Curve
• Railroaders Memorial Museum
• Lakemont Park
• Peoples Natural Gas Field, home of the Altoona Curve, a Minor League Baseball team

Notable People

• Mike Reid, former NFL player and country music singer
• Fred Waring, musician and bandleader

Related Pages

• Blair County, Pennsylvania
• Pennsylvania Railroad
• Horseshoe Curve (Pennsylvania)
• Altoona Area School District
• Penn State Altoona