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"
About Blair County
Blair County Timeline
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.
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.
Blair County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history 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