Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania

Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania is a borough located in Blair County, Pennsylvania, situated near the Allegheny Mountains and the Frankstown Branch Juniata River. The borough is part of the Altoona, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area and is close to the cities of Altoona, Pennsylvania and State College, Pennsylvania. Hollidaysburg is also near the Horseshoe Curve, a famous Pennsylvania Railroad landmark, and the Blue Knob State Park. The borough is home to the Hollidaysburg Area School District and is served by the Hollidaysburg Borough Police Department and the Blair County Sheriff's Office.

Geography

Hollidaysburg is situated in the Susquehanna River watershed and is near the Raystown Branch Juniata River. The borough is surrounded by Blair Township, Blair County, Pennsylvania, Frankstown Township, Blair County, Pennsylvania, and Allegheny Township, Blair County, Pennsylvania. The U.S. Route 220 and Pennsylvania Route 36 pass through the borough, providing connections to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Hollidaysburg is also close to the Blue Knob Ski Resort and the Canoe Creek State Park, which offer outdoor recreational activities such as skiing, hiking, and fishing. The borough is part of the Ridge-and-valley Appalachians and is near the Appalachian Trail.

History

The area that is now Hollidaysburg was originally settled by European-Americans in the late 18th century, with the borough being officially founded in 1768 by Adam Holliday. The borough was named after Adam Holliday, a Pennsylvania politician who served in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. During the American Civil War, Hollidaysburg was an important stop on the Underground Railroad, with many abolitionists, including Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, passing through the borough. The borough was also home to the Hollidaysburg Historic District, which features many historic buildings, including the Hollidaysburg Presbyterian Church and the Blair County Courthouse. The borough is also near the Fort Roberdeau and the Gallitzin Tunnels, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the borough had a population of 5,782 people, with a population density of 2,300 people per square mile. The borough has a diverse population, with a mix of European-American, African American, and Asian American residents. The median household income in the borough is $43,419, with a per capita income of $23,419. The borough is home to many families, with a median family income of $63,419. The borough is also served by the Hollidaysburg Public Library and the Blair County Library System. The borough is part of the Altoona Area School District and is near the Penn State Altoona and the Saint Francis University.

Economy

The economy of Hollidaysburg is diverse, with a mix of manufacturing, healthcare, and education industries. The borough is home to many businesses, including the Hollidaysburg Hospital and the Blair County Convention Center. The borough is also served by the Hollidaysburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Blair County Chamber of Commerce. The borough is near the Altoona-Blair County Airport and the University Park Airport, which provide connections to Pittsburgh International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport. The borough is also close to the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark and the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, which attract many tourists and support the local economy.

Education

The borough is served by the Hollidaysburg Area School District, which operates several schools, including the Hollidaysburg Area High School and the Hollidaysburg Area Junior High School. The borough is also home to the Penn State Altoona and the Saint Francis University, which offer a range of academic programs, including business, engineering, and health sciences. The borough is also near the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and the Mount Aloysius College. The borough is served by the Hollidaysburg Public Library and the Blair County Library System, which provide access to a wide range of books, media, and educational resources.

Infrastructure

The borough has a well-developed infrastructure, with a mix of roads, highways, and public transportation options. The borough is served by the U.S. Route 220 and Pennsylvania Route 36, which provide connections to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The borough is also served by the Amtrak Pennsylvanian train, which provides connections to New York City and Chicago. The borough is home to the Hollidaysburg Borough Police Department and the Blair County Sheriff's Office, which provide law enforcement services to the community. The borough is also served by the Hollidaysburg Fire Department and the Blair County Emergency Management Agency. The borough is part of the Altoona-Blair County Airport and the University Park Airport, which provide connections to Pittsburgh International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport. Category:Pennsylvania