Alexandria, Pennsylvania

Alexandria, Pennsylvania is a borough located in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, near the Juniata River and Raystown Branch Juniata River. The borough is situated approximately 30 miles northwest of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania and 45 miles southeast of Altoona, Pennsylvania. Alexandria is part of the Huntingdon, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area and is near the Lincoln Caverns and Whipple Dam State Park. The borough is also close to the Pennsylvania State University and Juniata College.

Geography

The geography of the area is characterized by the surrounding Appalachian Mountains and the Juniata River Valley. The borough is situated near the US Route 22 and Pennsylvania Route 305, which provide access to nearby cities such as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and State College, Pennsylvania. The area is also home to several parks, including the Whipple Dam State Park and the Trough Creek State Park, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking and fishing in the Raystown Lake. The borough's proximity to the Allegheny Mountains and the Laurel Highlands makes it an attractive destination for tourists visiting the Horseshoe Curve and the Johnstown, Pennsylvania area.

History

The history of the area dates back to the 18th century, when it was settled by German Americans and Scottish Americans. The borough was officially incorporated in 1830 and was named after Alexander the Great. During the American Civil War, the area was a key transportation hub, with the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Juniata and Southern Railway passing through the borough. The borough's history is also closely tied to the Industrial Revolution, with the establishment of industries such as the Andrew Carnegie-owned Edgar Thomson Steel Works and the US Steel-owned Homestead Steel Works in nearby Homestead, Pennsylvania. The borough is also near the Gettysburg National Military Park and the Antietam National Battlefield, which commemorate the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of Antietam.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the borough had a population of approximately 400 people, with a median age of 35 years old. The population is predominantly White American, with a small percentage of African American and Asian American residents. The borough has a mix of old and new homes, with many historic buildings dating back to the 19th century, including the Old Stone House and the Huntingdon County Courthouse. The borough is also home to several churches, including the St. John's Episcopal Church and the Trinity Lutheran Church, which are part of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Economy

The economy of the borough is primarily driven by small businesses, including retail shops and restaurants, such as the Sheetz convenience store chain, which was founded in nearby Altoona, Pennsylvania. The borough is also home to several manufacturing facilities, including the New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. and the JLG Industries plant, which produce construction materials and equipment. The area is also known for its agriculture, with many farms producing crops such as corn and soybeans and livestock such as cattle and pigs. The borough is near the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area, which is home to several major employers, including the Pennsylvania State Capitol and the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.

Education

The borough is served by the Juniata Valley School District, which operates several schools in the area, including the Juniata Valley Elementary School and the Juniata Valley High School. The district is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The borough is also near several institutions of higher education, including the Pennsylvania State University and Juniata College, which offer a range of academic programs, including liberal arts and sciences. The borough is also close to the University of Pittsburgh and the Carnegie Mellon University, which are located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Infrastructure

The borough has a well-developed infrastructure, with several major roads passing through the area, including US Route 22 and Pennsylvania Route 305. The borough is also served by the Amtrak Pennsylvanian train, which connects the area to New York City and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The borough has a small airport, the Blair County Airport, which offers flights to several destinations, including the Pittsburgh International Airport and the Harrisburg International Airport. The borough is also near the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which provides access to several major cities, including Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Baltimore, Maryland. The borough's infrastructure is maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. Category:Pennsylvania