Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
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| Huntingdon, Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|
| Name | Huntingdon, Pennsylvania |
| Settlement type | Borough |
| Nickname | "The Birthplace of the Pennsylvania Railroad" |
| Pushpin label | Huntingdon |
| Coordinates | 40, 29, 0, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Pennsylvania |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Huntingdon |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1767 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated (borough) |
| Established date1 | 1796 |
| Government type | Borough |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 9.60 |
| Area total sq mi | 3.71 |
| Area land km2 | 9.31 |
| Area land sq mi | 3.59 |
| Area water km2 | 0.29 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.11 |
| Elevation ft | 653 |
| Elevation m | 199 |
| Population total | 6800 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 16652 |
| Area code | 814 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 42-36264 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1213657 |
| Website | https://www.huntingdonborough.org/ |
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania is the county seat of Huntingdon County and lies along the Juniata River in the scenic Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians. Founded in the 18th century, it played a pivotal role in early transportation and industry, notably as the site where the Pennsylvania Railroad was chartered. Today, it is a commercial and educational hub for the region, anchored by Juniata College and surrounded by the natural beauty of Raystown Lake and Trough Creek State Park.
History
The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Susquehannock, before European settlement. In 1767, land speculator William Smith laid out the town, naming it for the Countess of Huntingdon, Selina Hastings. During the American Revolutionary War, it served as a frontier outpost and supply point. The 19th century brought transformative growth with the completion of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal and, most significantly, the chartering of the Pennsylvania Railroad here in 1846, an event commemorated by a historical marker. The borough weathered the Great Depression and later saw economic shifts with the decline of heavy industry, finding new stability through education and tourism centered on nearby Raystown Lake.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 3.71 square miles, with the Juniata River flowing through its center. It is situated in the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians, with Standing Stone Creek entering the Juniata within the borough limits. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, part of the broader Appalachian Mountains region. The climate is classified as humid continental, with four distinct seasons, and the borough is located approximately 30 miles east of Altoona and 100 miles northwest of Harrisburg.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was approximately 6,800 residents. The racial makeup is predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The population includes a significant student body from Juniata College, which influences age demographics and educational attainment levels. Median household income tends to be below the state average, reflective of its rural setting, and housing is primarily composed of single-family homes and rental units catering to the college community.
Economy
Historically driven by railroads, manufacturing, and lumber, the local economy has diversified. Major employers now include Juniata College, the Huntingdon Area School District, and J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital. Manufacturing remains present with companies like Georgia-Pacific, while retail and service sectors cater to both residents and tourists. Tourism is a growing sector, fueled by outdoor recreation at Raystown Lake, a major Army Corps of Engineers project, and Trough Creek State Park. The downtown area features small businesses, restaurants, and historic sites that draw visitors.
Education
Public education is managed by the Huntingdon Area School District, which operates Huntingdon Area High School. The district's primary and middle schools serve the borough and surrounding townships. The prominent private institution is Juniata College, a nationally ranked liberal arts college founded in 1876. The borough is also served by the Huntingdon County Library, which provides public resources and programming. Career and technical education is available through the Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center.
Notable people
Several individuals with connections to the borough have gained prominence. John Scott served as a United States Senator and argued cases before the Supreme Court of the United States. William H. G. France was a co-founder of NASCAR and the Daytona International Speedway. James B. T. Tupper was a Union Army officer and Medal of Honor recipient for actions at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. Eddie Plank, a Hall of Fame pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics and St. Louis Terriers, was born nearby. More recently, Mike Munchak, a Pro Football Hall of Fame lineman for the Houston Oilers and NFL coach, hails from the area.
Category:Boroughs in Pennsylvania Category:Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania Category:County seats in Pennsylvania