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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

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Home > Community Development > Community Profiles > Altoona, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) > Historical Information

Community Profile: Altoona, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

Historical Information*

Founded in 1849 by the Pennsylvania Railroad, Altoona, PA, was an important city during the railroad era, since it served as a key staging area for the railroad. The famed Altoona Works complex, which employed 17,000 people at its peak, produced over 6,700 steam and electric locomotives between 1866 and 1946 and represented the centerpiece of the area's economy for several decades. Like many cities, Altoona began to decline in the latter half of the 20th century, in tandem with the nation's shift away from rail transport toward the interstate highway system. Today, the metropolitan area's economy includes a variety of manufacturing industries, farming, and tourism — the latter fueled by the area's rich railroad heritage. Altoona also hosts the 115-acre Penn State Altoona campus.

Historical data for the Altoona, PA MSA can be found at the following websites:

• City of Altoona, PA
• Railfan's Guide to the Altoona Area
• Blair County History (Altoona Library)

• * Much of the material used here was drawn from the websites listed above.
• Last updated: Monday, August 11, 2008