Historical Markers in
Blair County, Pennsylvania

Adam Holliday Alleghany Furnace Altoona Altoona Area High School Mountain Lion Baker Mansion Baker Mansion Blair County Blair County Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients Blair County Memorial Highway Blair County War Mothers Memorial Blair Homestead Canal Basin City of Altoona Civil War Civil War Memorial Daniel Hale Williams Elm & Pine Buildings Endress War Memorial First Building First High School First Pennsylvania Railroad YMCA Fort Fetter Fort Roberdeau Frankstown Fred Waring Gallitzin Spring Gallitzin Spring Harold L. Ickes Honor Roll Horseshoe Curve Isaac Charles Mishler Ivyside Park Swimming Pool Jaycee Memorial Park Juniata Iron Juniata's Tribute to Honor Korean War Leap-The-Dips Roller Coaster Locomotive 790 Bell Logan House Logan Valley Mall Fire Memorial Projectile Nearby Was the Birthplace of Fred Waring Over the Hill Penn State Altoona Pennsylvania Railroad Shops Portage Railroad Portage Railroad PRR Class D78F Dining Car No. 4468 PRR Class N5 Cabin Car (or Caboose) No. 477577 PRR Class X29L Steel Boxcar No. 2136 PRR Express Refrigerator Car No. 2561 Railroad Shopmen's Strike of 1922 Reflecting Pond Scale Test Weight Car Site of the Former Historic City Hotel Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument Stars & Stripes Forever The Altoona Works The Dick Schoolhouse The Downtown Altoona Historic District The Freedom Tree The GP9 The Juniata Shops The Master Mechanic The Old Portage Rail Road Monument The Posy Gang The Silver Chief The Yellow Corner Track Cars Trackside Buildings Veterans Mall Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Vietnam Walter L. Maine Circus Train Wreck War on Terror Watching The Curve Why a Skewed Arch Bridge? World War I Memorial World War II Memorial "Bathhouse U" "The Big Spring"
The Hershey Company, one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world, was founded in Hershey, Pennsylvania, in 1894.
Pennsylvania random facts
Blair County, Pennsylvania, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The county was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Lenape and Shawnee, who relied on the land's lush forests and fertile valleys for their livelihoods. In the mid-1700s, European settlers arrived and began to establish communities in the area.

The county's name honors John Blair, a prominent jurist and one of the first Supreme Court justices. It was officially formed in 1846, encompassing land that was previously part of neighboring Huntingdon County. The county's central location made it an important transportation hub, with the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal and the Pennsylvania Railroad passing through its territory.

The 19th century saw significant growth and development in Blair County. The discovery of coal and iron ore in the region led to the establishment of numerous mining and manufacturing industries. The growth of the railroad system contributed to the county's economic prosperity, as goods and products were easily transported to other parts of the country.

Blair County also played an important role in the nation's history during the Civil War. The county mustered a large number of soldiers to fight for the Union, and several notable military leaders hailed from the area. The Battle of Gettysburg, which took place a short distance from Blair County, had a significant impact on the region, with many local soldiers participating in the battle.

Today, Blair County is a thriving community with a diverse economy. It is known for its natural beauty, with the Allegheny Mountains providing a scenic backdrop. The county attracts visitors with its outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and hunting. While the industrial sector has declined, new industries such as healthcare, education, and tourism have emerged, contributing to the county's continued growth and development.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Blair County, Pennsylvania.

  • 1767 - Blair County was first settled by settlers from Chester and Lancaster Counties
  • 1846 - Blair County was officially formed from parts of Huntingdon and Bedford Counties
  • 1854 - The Pennsylvania Railroad began operations in Blair County
  • 1856 - Hollidaysburg was designated as the county seat
  • 1861 - The American Civil War began and many Blair County residents served in the military
  • 1889 - The Altoona Curve, a minor league baseball team, was established in Altoona
  • 1921 - Altoona became the largest city in Blair County
  • 1953 - The Horseshoe Curve, a prominent railroad landmark, was designated a National Historic Landmark
  • 1987 - The Blair County Convention Center opened in Altoona
  • 1996 - The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum opened to the public
  • 2003 - Blair County celebrated its 150th anniversary