Treasures of Altoona

One day, back in 2001, Doug Teuber was driving through Altoona when he hit the brakes. There, resting in someone’s front yard like a sleeping giant, was a stone weighing approximately 16 tons. Just what he needed. Years later, the rock became the centerpiece of a war memorial which now includes a fountain, a mural, four bronze statues representing each service branch, and nods to the veterans of several American wars.

In 1882, at a time when coal was the country’s primary source of energy, the Altoona Coal and Mining Company was born. The business started as a rather small operation—it had three employees, who were also the owners. But, as these men dug deeper and deeper below the surface of Altoona, they discovered a large vein of black gold.

Reading about history is one thing. But when you get out and experience it yourself – when you catch a glimpse of its true scale and scope – the past has a way of coming to life. Head to the corner of 8th Avenue & 8th Street and you’ll find yourself transported back in time as you stand in the shadow of an authentic Corsair II: a Vietnam-era fighter plane.