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Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania

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Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania
CountyHuntingdon County
StatePennsylvania
FoundedSeptember 20, 1787
SeatHuntingdon
Largest townHuntingdon
Area total sq mi889
Area land sq mi877
Area water sq mi12
Population as of2020
Population total44,092
Population density sq mi50.3
Time zoneEastern
District13th
Named forSelina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon

Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. Located in the central part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is a region defined by its rugged Allegheny Mountains terrain and significant historical role in early American industry. The county is anchored by its county seat and largest municipality, Huntingdon, and is renowned for its extensive natural resources and outdoor recreation. It is home to notable institutions like the State Correctional Institution – Huntingdon and Juniata College.

History

The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Susquehannock and later the Lenape. European settlement accelerated following the 1758 Treaty of Easton, with the region officially formed from parts of Bedford County on September 20, 1787, and named for Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon. The early 19th century saw rapid industrial growth, driven by the Pennsylvania Canal and the Huntingdon and Broad Top Mountain Railroad, which facilitated the extraction of bituminous coal and iron ore. Key 19th-century industries included the Birmingham Iron Works and the Rebecca Furnace, with the county playing a role in the American Civil War as part of the Underground Railroad. The 20th century brought state institutions like the State Correctional Institution – Huntingdon and the expansion of Juniata College, founded in 1876.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 889 square miles, with 877 square miles of land and 12 square miles of water. It is situated within the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians, featuring prominent features like Tussey Mountain and Jack's Mountain. Major waterways include the Juniata River, which flows through Huntingdon, and the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, which forms the expansive Raystown Lake, a major reservoir managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The county contains large tracts of public land within the Buchanan State Forest and is bordered by Centre County, Mifflin County, Juniata County, Perry County, Franklin County, and Blair County.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 44,092, with a population density of 50.3 people per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly Non-Hispanic White, with smaller populations of African Americans, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The largest population centers are the boroughs of Huntingdon, Mount Union, and Alexandria. A significant portion of the population is housed at the State Correctional Institution – Huntingdon, which is counted in census figures. Educational attainment data is influenced by the presence of Juniata College.

Economy

Historically centered on extractive industry, the economy has diversified while retaining a foundation in natural resources. Major employers include the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections at State Correctional Institution – Huntingdon and Juniata College. Manufacturing remains present, with companies like Georgia-Pacific operating in the region. Tourism is a growing sector, driven by Raystown Lake, a premier destination for boating and fishing managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the surrounding Buchanan State Forest which supports hunting and hiking. Agriculture, particularly dairy farming and crop production, continues in the county's valleys.

Government and politics

Huntingdon County operates under the Pennsylvania County Code with a three-member Board of County Commissioners. The county seat is the Huntingdon County Courthouse in Huntingdon. The county is part of Pennsylvania's 13th congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by John Joyce. At the state level, it lies within the 30th Senatorial District and the 81st Legislative District. In presidential elections, it has consistently voted for the Republican Party nominee in recent decades, such as Donald Trump in 2020.

Education

Public education is provided by several school districts, including the Huntingdon Area School District, Mount Union Area School District, and Southern Huntingdon County School District. The county is home to Juniata College, a private liberal arts institution in Huntingdon founded in 1876 and affiliated with the Church of the Brethren. Other institutions include the Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center. The Huntingdon County Library system serves the community, with its main branch in Huntingdon. The presence of Juniata College significantly influences the educational and cultural landscape of the region.

Category:Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania Category:1787 establishments in Pennsylvania Category:Counties of the Alleghenies