1920 Map of Altoona

About this map

Altoona stands as a massive rail-and-industry hub in the shadow of the Allegheny Mountain, dominated by the extensive yards and facilities of the Pennsylvania Railroad. During this era of peak industrial output, the city is a dense grid of settlement spreading from East End to Juniata, while the surrounding Logan Valley is dotted with small company towns and agricultural outposts like Bellwood and Fostoria. The map reveals the intricate infrastructure required to support this population, including the Kettle Reservoir and Allegheny Reservoir, as well as numerous rural institutions like the McKnight School and Sabbath Rest School. North of the city, the winding Altoona Northern Railroad climbs toward the high plateau settlements of Wopsononock and Blandburg, tracing the steep transition from the valley floor to the timber and coal lands of the Allegheny Front.