National Register of Historic Places listings in Blair County, Pennsylvania facts for kids

Location of Blair County in Pennsylvania

Blair County, Pennsylvania, is home to many special places that are part of the United States' history. These places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important to our country's past.

When a place is on this list, it means it has a unique story to tell. It could be a building where something important happened, a place that shows how people lived long ago, or even a special natural area. In Blair County, there are 28 such places. Some are even more special: two are called National Historic Landmarks, and one is a National Historic Site. These are like VIPs of history!

Historic Places in Blair County

Allegheny Furnace

The Allegheny Furnace is an old iron furnace located in Altoona. It was built a long time ago to make iron, which was a very important material for building things like railroads and machines. It's a cool reminder of how industry started in this area.

The historic Allegheny Furnace

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

This is a super important place! The Allegheny Portage Railroad was an amazing engineering feat. Imagine a railroad that could carry canal boats over mountains! It helped connect the eastern and western parts of Pennsylvania before modern trains existed. It was a crucial link for trade and travel. You can visit this site in Allegheny Township and learn all about how it worked.

A trail at the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

Baker Mansion

The Baker Mansion is a grand old house in Altoona. It was built in the 1840s and is a great example of the fancy homes from that time. It's now a museum where you can learn about the history of the Baker family and the area.

The historic Baker Mansion

Blair County Courthouse

Located in Hollidaysburg, the Blair County Courthouse is where important legal decisions are made for the county. It's a beautiful building with a lot of history, showing the architecture of the time it was built.

The Blair County Courthouse

Downtown Altoona Historic District

This area in Altoona includes many historic buildings that show what the city looked like in its early days. Walking through this district is like taking a step back in time, seeing the old shops, offices, and homes that shaped Altoona.

A building within the Downtown Altoona Historic District

Etna Furnace

Another historic iron furnace, the Etna Furnace is located near Williamsburg. Like the Allegheny Furnace, it played a big role in making iron for the growing industries of Pennsylvania. It's a cool example of early American manufacturing.

Etna Furnace near Williamsburg

Fort Roberdeau

Fort Roberdeau was a lead mining fort built during the American Revolutionary War. It was important for supplying lead, which was used to make bullets for the Continental Army. You can visit this reconstructed fort in Tyrone Township and imagine what life was like for soldiers and miners back then.

Fort Roberdeau

Highland Hall

Highland Hall is a historic building in Hollidaysburg. It's known for its unique architecture and its role in the community's past. It's a great example of how buildings can tell stories about the people who lived and worked in them.

Highland Hall in Hollidaysburg

Hollidaysburg Historic District

This entire district in Hollidaysburg is filled with historic buildings. It gives you a real sense of what a Pennsylvania town looked like in the 19th century. Many of the buildings have been preserved, showing off their original charm.

A street in the Hollidaysburg Historic District

Horseshoe Curve

The Horseshoe Curve is one of the most famous railroad landmarks in the world! Located west of Altoona, this incredible curve allowed trains to climb the steep Allegheny Mountains. It was a huge achievement in railroad engineering and is still used by trains today. It's also a National Historic Landmark.

An aerial view of the famous Horseshoe Curve

Leap-The-Dips

Get ready for some fun history! Leap-The-Dips is the oldest operating wooden roller coaster in the world! It's located at Lakemont Park in Logan Township. Imagine riding a roller coaster that's been thrilling people for over 120 years! It's a National Historic Landmark because of its unique history.

Leap-The-Dips roller coaster at Lakemont Park

Mishler Theatre

The Mishler Theatre in Altoona is a beautiful old theater. It opened in 1906 and has hosted many shows, concerts, and performances over the years. It's a wonderful example of early 20th-century theater design and a place where people have enjoyed entertainment for generations.

The historic Mishler Theatre

Penn Alto Hotel

The Penn Alto Hotel in Altoona was once a grand hotel, a place where travelers and important guests would stay. It's a landmark building that shows the style and elegance of hotels from a past era.

The Penn Alto Hotel

Roaring Spring Historic District

The Roaring Spring Historic District in Roaring Spring is another area with many historic buildings. It shows the development of this town, from its early days to how it grew over time.

A street in the Roaring Spring Historic District

Daniel Royer House

The Daniel Royer House is a historic home located southwest of Williamsburg. It's an example of early American architecture and gives us a glimpse into the lives of families who settled in this region long ago.

The Daniel Royer House

Tyrone Borough Historic District

The Tyrone Borough Historic District in Tyrone is a collection of buildings that tell the story of this town's growth. It includes homes, businesses, and other structures that show the history and development of Tyrone.

A view of the Tyrone Borough Historic District

Williamsburg Historic District

Similar to other historic districts, the Williamsburg Historic District in Williamsburg preserves many old buildings. These buildings help us understand the history and character of this charming Pennsylvania town.

A building in the Williamsburg Historic District

Images for kids

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  Jacob Isett House and Store

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  D.S. Keith Junior High School

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  Knickerbocker Historic District

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  Llyswen Historic District

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  J.L. Noble School

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  St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church

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  Tyrone Armory