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1963 Map of Hollidaysburg

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Hollidaysburg
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1989
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1989

About this map

Altoona and its southern suburbs define the northeastern corner of this Blair County landscape, where the Penn Central railroad navigates the steep climb of the Allegheny Front. The world-renowned Horseshoe Curve is a prominent engineering landmark here, helping trains gain elevation as they pass Kittanning Point. This era shows a dense network of institutional and civic anchors, from the Courthouse in Hollidaysburg to the sprawling grounds of the Hollidaysburg State Hospital and the VA Hospital near Hileman Heights.

Beyond the industrial and urban centers, the map documents a transition into the rural valleys of Freedom and Juniata townships. Smaller settlements like Newry, Foot of Ten, and Puzzletown are connected by winding runs such as Blair Gap Run and Poplar Run. Recreational and spiritual sites are well-represented, including Lakemont Park, the Park Hill Golf Club, and St Bernadines Monastery, illustrating the diverse land use in the shadow of Short Mountain during the mid-20th century.