Altoona history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Altoona began in 1849 not as a spontaneous settlement, but as a carefully planned project of the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR). The railway giant purchased David Robison's farm in the Logan Valley to create a strategic base for its operations. The city's name, according to one version, comes from the Latin word "altus" (high), symbolizing its geographical position, although there are also theories about it being borrowed from the language of indigenous peoples.

Altoona received official borough status in 1854, and rapid population growth allowed it to become a city by 1868.

Key Factors of Formation

The birth and rapid rise of the city were driven by purely pragmatic and geographical reasons:

• Geography and Relief: The city is located at the eastern foot of the Allegheny Mountains. This was a critical point on the route where trains required a change of locomotives or the addition of extra power to overcome the steep ascent to the west.
• Engineering Feat: The construction of the famous railway curve, Horseshoe Curve, to the west of the city made Altoona an indispensable logistical hub connecting the East Coast with the west of the country.
• Industrial Strategy: The PRR decided to locate its main repair and production facilities here, turning the city into the heart of its railway empire.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From its foundation, Altoona's economy was monocentric. The city developed around the Altoona Works complex—workshops that eventually became some of the largest in the world for the production and repair of rolling stock. This ensured stable employment and attracted thousands of workers.

The cultural life of early Altoona was shaped by industrialisation. It was a classic "company town", where the railway influenced all aspects of life: from building housing for workers to sponsoring public events and creating urban infrastructure.

The history of Altoona is inextricably linked to the development of railways, which turned a small settlement into a major industrial centre. Below is a chronology of key events that shaped the city's appearance.

• 1849 — The Pennsylvania Railroad founded Altoona as a base for building tracks across the Allegheny Mountains.
• 1854 — Construction of the famous "Horseshoe Curve" was completed—an engineering marvel that allowed trains to overcome the steep mountain ascent.
• 1854 — Altoona was officially registered as a borough.
• 1862 — The city hosted the War Governors' Conference, which played a vital role in political support for the Union during the Civil War.
• 1868 — Altoona received official city status.
• Late 19th Century — The Altoona Works railway workshops became the largest complex in the world for building and repairing locomotives and carriages.
• 1921 — The opening of the Penn Alto Hotel took place, becoming an important architectural landmark and the centre of the city's social life during its heyday.
• 1968 — The merger of the Pennsylvania Railroad into the Penn Central conglomerate marked the beginning of the end of the steam era and the reduction of railway production in the city.
• 1980 — The Railroaders Memorial Museum was opened, dedicated to preserving the region's rich industrial heritage.
• 1990s — The beginning of large-scale infrastructure modernisation and the construction of the Interstate I-99 highway, which improved the city's transport accessibility.
• Early 21st Century — The city's economy reoriented from heavy industry to the sectors of healthcare, education, and retail trade.

Altoona's development is a story of transformation from a strategic transport hub into a modern city with a diverse economy. Each of these milestones played a decisive role in shaping the unique character of the city and its significance for the region.

• Foundation as a Railway Centre. In the mid-19th century, the Pennsylvania Railroad selected this area to create a supply and repair base. This decision effectively birthed the city, predetermining its industrial character and layout oriented towards transport needs.
• Engineering Triumph of the "Horseshoe Curve". The opening of this section of track not only solved the problem of crossing the Allegheny Mountains but also turned Altoona into a key link in national logistics, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods and passengers between the East and West of the USA.
• Era of Industrial Leadership. The development of the Altoona Works complex made the city a world leader in steam locomotive construction. This ensured economic stability for many years, attracted thousands of workers, and formed a multicultural community.
• Historical Conference of 1862. Hosting the War Governors' Conference placed Altoona on the country's political map, demonstrating that the city's importance extended beyond a simple industrial site.
• Technological Transition. The shift from steam traction to diesel and electric in the mid-20th century led to a reduction in depot activity. This complex process forced the city to seek new paths for development and move away from a single-profile economy.
• Economic Diversification. In recent decades, a significant milestone has been the development of the healthcare and education sectors, particularly the expansion of the Penn State Altoona campus. This allowed the city to adapt to post-industrial realities and create new jobs.
• Transport Modernisation (I-99). The construction of the modern Interstate I-99 highway brought Altoona out of relative road isolation, connecting it with major trade routes and increasing its attractiveness for business and tourism.

Urban Planning Features

Altoona's architectural appearance was shaped by its status as one of America's major railway centres. The city's urban structure is linear and oriented along the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks, which divide the city into eastern and western parts. The industrial heritage is clearly traced in the zoning: industrial facilities and working-class quarters were located closer to the tracks, while the residences of managers and the elite were built on the heights, away from the smoke and noise of the depot.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The city's development reflects periods of its economic prosperity, demonstrating a transition from functional industrial architecture to grand public buildings of the early 20th century.

• Victorian Era (Second half of the 19th century). The period of the city's rapid growth left behind many residential homes in the Queen Anne and Italianate styles. These buildings are characterised by asymmetrical facades, turrets, wide verandas, and decorative woodwork. This style is particularly well-represented in the historic Llyswen district.
• Beaux-Arts and Neoclassicism (Early 20th century). Altoona's "Golden Age" was marked by the construction of monumental public buildings. The Beaux-Arts style, inspired by the French school, was used to demonstrate the city's wealth and cultural status. Buildings from this period are distinguished by symmetry, columns, and rich decoration.
• Eclecticism and Historicism (1920s). In the interwar period, buildings appeared in the city combining elements of various historical styles, including Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance, which is especially noticeable in religious architecture.
• Modernism and Functionalism (Mid-20th century — Present). Post-war development is characterised by stricter forms and the use of concrete and glass, associated with attempts to modernise the urban environment and renew the commercial centre.

Landmark Buildings Shaping the City's Appearance

Altoona has preserved several architectural landmarks that serve as visual symbols of the city and reflect the tastes of past centuries.

• Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. A majestic structure in the style of Italian Baroque and Neo-Renaissance. Its massive dome and classical portico make the cathedral one of the most recognisable silhouettes in the city centre.
• Mishler Theatre. Opened in 1906, this theatre is a striking example of the Beaux-Arts style. Built of red brick and Indiana limestone, the building is known for its luxurious interior and excellent acoustics, serving as the cultural heart of Altoona.
• Jaffa Shrine Center. A unique building that stands out from the city's general style with its distinctive architecture in the Moorish Revival style. Built in 1930, it is distinguished by characteristic arches, tilework, and oriental motifs.
• Penn Alto Hotel. A 9-storey building combining elements of Renaissance Revival and the commercial style of the early 20th century. For a long time, it was the tallest and most prestigious building in the city, symbolising its hospitality and ambitions.

Statesmen

• Harry J. Anslinger (1892–1975) — Statesman, first Commissioner of the FBN.
  A native of Altoona who led the Federal Bureau of Narcotics for more than three decades. He played a defining role in shaping American and international policy regarding the control of narcotic substances in the mid-20th century.

Culture and Art

• Janet Blair (1921–2007) — Actress and singer.
  A star of Hollywood's "Golden Age", born and raised in Altoona. She gained widespread fame thanks to roles in musical comedies of the 1940s, such as "My Sister Eileen", as well as a successful career in television and theatre.
• Paul Winter (born 1939) — Saxophonist and composer.
  A multiple Grammy Award winner, pioneer of the "ecological music" and New Age genres. The leader of the Paul Winter Consort is known for his innovative approach, combining jazz, classical music, and the sounds of wildlife.

Sports

• James "Ripper" Collins (1904–1970) — Baseball player.
  An outstanding first baseman who played in the MLB in the 1930s. He was a key figure in the legendary "St. Louis Cardinals" lineup, known for its fighting spirit, and helped the team win the 1934 World Series.
• Brad Benson (born 1955) — American football player.
  A professional athlete who played as an offensive lineman for the "New York Giants". In 1986, he became a Super Bowl XXI champion and was recognised as one of the league's best players, being selected for the Pro Bowl.
• Doug West (born 1967) — Basketball player and coach.
  An Altoona native who became an NBA star. He spent most of his career with the "Minnesota Timberwolves", where he became one of the franchise's first iconic players and held the club's scoring records for a long time.