Williamsburg, Pennsylvania facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids Williamsburg, Pennsylvania
Borough
Motto(s): Small Town, Big History
Location of Williamsburg in Blair County, Pennsylvania.
Williamsburg, Pennsylvania Location in Pennsylvania
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
County	Blair
Settled	1790
Incorporated	1827
Government
• Type	Borough
Area
• Total	0.37 sq mi (0.95 km²)
• Land	0.37 sq mi (0.95 km²)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km²)
Elevation	846 ft (258 m)
Population (2020)
• Total	1,241
• Estimate (2021)	1,230
• Density	3,215.85/sq mi (1,241.39/km²)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
Zip Code	16693
Area code(s)	814, 582
FIPS code	42-85272
GNIS feature ID	1214947

Williamsburg is a small town, also known as a borough, located in Blair County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is found in an area called Morrisons Cove. In 2020, about 1,241 people lived here. Williamsburg is part of the larger Altoona, PA area.

History of Williamsburg

Before settlers arrived, the land around Williamsburg was a hunting ground. It was used by the Lenape and Shawnee Native American tribes. In 1754, a treaty opened up some western lands for settlement. However, the British government did not allow people to move west until after the American Revolution.

In 1780, a sad event happened near Williamsburg. A group of ten soldiers, known as Captain William Phillips' Rangers, were killed after they surrendered to a group of Native Americans.

The town of Williamsburg was started in 1790 by Jacob Ake. It was first called Aketown. It is the oldest borough in what is now Blair County. The name was later changed to honor Jacob's son, William Ake.

By 1810, Williamsburg had 34 houses. By 1820, it had an inn and a place to make alcohol. The Pennsylvania Canal was finished in 1832. This canal helped transport goods and people. The town today is about 30 blocks big. Its center is around High and Second Streets. This area is known as the Williamsburg Historic District. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

Canals and Railroads

Williamsburg was first served by a canal that ran along the Frankstown Branch Juniata River. This canal was no longer used after 1872. The next year, the Pennsylvania Railroad built a train line. It followed the path of the old canal. This train line helped connect Williamsburg to other towns. Passenger train service stopped in 1933. Freight service continued until 1982. Today, this old railroad path is a popular walking and biking trail called the Lower Trail.

Geography and Nature

Williamsburg covers about 0.4 square miles of land. The area sits on a thick layer of sandstone.

How to Get Around

You can reach Williamsburg using Pennsylvania Route 866. It is about 15 miles from Altoona to the west. It is also about 13 miles from Huntingdon to the east. The streets in Williamsburg are set up in a grid pattern. Main Street is called High Street. Other streets are named after trees like Locust and Plum. Some streets are named after important local judges.

The Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River runs along the edge of the borough. Two creeks, Piney Creek and Clover Creek, flow into this river nearby.

Natural Landmarks

When you come into Williamsburg from the northwest, you can see two natural rock formations. One is called Indian Rocks. It has tall, chimney-like stone shapes. The other is a flat rock called Table Rock. Local legends are connected to these rocks. From the top of Table Rock, you can see the whole town.

On the south side of Williamsburg is a large natural water source called the Big Spring. This spring was so important that a famous steel businessman, Charles Schwab, wanted to build a steel mill here. Instead, he built a paper mill and a housing area. The Big Spring is a beautiful spot where many people take photos.

Famous Aviator Connection

Wilmer Stultz, a famous aviator, was born near Williamsburg. When he was 14, he moved into Williamsburg with his mother. He became a pilot and flew Amelia Earhart across the Atlantic Ocean. She was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic as a passenger. In 1928, Amelia Earhart visited Williamsburg. There was a huge celebration for her and Wilmer. Sadly, Wilmer Stultz died in a plane accident a year later. Amelia Earhart attended his funeral in Williamsburg. He is buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery near the Big Spring.

Population and People

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1820	268	—
1840	637	—
1850	747	17.3%
1860	798	6.8%
1870	821	2.9%
1880	566	−31.1%
1900	935	—
1910	1,523	62.9%
1920	1,872	22.9%
1930	1,898	1.4%
1940	1,898	0.0%
1950	1,792	−5.6%
1960	1,792	0.0%
1970	1,579	−11.9%
1980	1,400	−11.3%
1990	1,456	4.0%
2000	1,345	−7.6%
2010	1,254	−6.8%
2020	1,241	−1.0%
2021 (est.)	1,230	−1.9%
Sources:

In 2010, there were 1,254 people living in Williamsburg. Most residents (98.4%) were White. About 23.6% of the people were under 18 years old. The average age was about 39 and a half years old.

Most households were families. About 60% of the homes in Williamsburg are owned by the people who live in them. The rest are rented.

Education and Community Services

The first school in Williamsburg was started by Jacob Ake, the town's founder.

Williamsburg Community School District

The Williamsburg Community School District is one of the smallest in Pennsylvania. It has two main buildings. One is for younger students (grades K-6). The other is for older students (grades 7-12). The high school's mascot is the Blue Pirate. Students can play many sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. Both the boys' and girls' basketball teams have won state championships!

Williamsburg Public Library

The Williamsburg Public Library opened in 1950. It started in a small room in the borough building. Volunteers helped run it. In 1968, the library moved to a larger building. In 2001, it moved again to a former church building. The library is part of the Blair County Library System. It offers many programs like story times and book clubs. It also has computers with internet access and a meeting room for the community.

Emergency Services

Williamsburg has a volunteer fire station, Fire Station 90. It provides full fire services. Ambulance services are now provided by a nearby town called Hollidaysburg.

Recreation and Outdoor Fun

Williamsburg offers several ways to enjoy the outdoors.

The Lower Trail

The Lower Trail is a popular path for walking and biking. It runs through Williamsburg. The trail is made of crushed limestone. It follows the path of the old canal and railroad. Along the trail, you can see many historical spots related to the Pennsylvania Canal and the Pennsylvania Railroad. The trail also gives access to the Frankstown Branch Juniata River, which is a great place for fishing.

Mid State Trail

The Mid State Trail also passes through Williamsburg. This trail is much longer, running from the New York border all the way to the Maryland border. It is marked by red-orange signs.

Upper Juniata River Water Trail

For those who love boating, the Upper Juniata River Water Trail goes through Williamsburg. This trail is perfect for canoes and kayaks. There is a place in Williamsburg where you can easily put your boat in or take it out of the water.

Sports Teams

Williamsburg has had success in sports:

The Junior High Lady Pirates basketball team won the Juniata Valley League championship in 2006.
The Williamsburg Blue Pirates Varsity Football Team ended a long losing streak in 2006.
The Williamsburg Blue Pirate Basketball Team won the Juniata Valley League Championship in 2008.

Events and Celebrations

Williamsburg hosts several community events:

The Blair County Allied Firefighters convention, with a parade and fireworks, was held in Williamsburg in 2006.
The Williamsburg Community Farm Show happens every year, usually in late August. It has rides and fun activities. This event used to be called Old Home Week.
Circuses have visited Williamsburg over the years, bringing big top shows to the town.

The Arts and Creativity

Many people in Williamsburg enjoy arts and crafts. There are craft shows where local artists sell their work. They create things from pottery, leather, metal, and wood. Local woodworkers make beautiful furniture. The library sometimes hosts poetry readings.

Musically, the high school band has won awards. In the 1970s, the band traveled to Dublin, Ireland, to play in the St. Patrick's Day parade and won first place! Today, musicians in Williamsburg play all kinds of music.

Economy and Jobs

The biggest employer in Williamsburg is a company called Cenveo. They bought a factory that used to belong to MeadWestvaco.

Besides Cenveo and other small businesses, many Williamsburg residents work in construction, farming, education, and healthcare. The area around Williamsburg has many dairy farms and other agricultural businesses.

Local Media

Williamsburg does not have its own television or radio stations. It also does not have a current newspaper. In the past, there were local newspapers like the Williamsburg Tribune and the Williamsburg Focus. Today, larger newspapers like the Altoona Mirror cover news in the Williamsburg area.