The History of State College, Pennsylvania: From Farmland to Innovation Hub
State College, Pennsylvania, a borough and home rule municipality nestled in Centre County, boasts a rich and evolving history. From its humble beginnings as farmland surrounding an agricultural college to its current status as a vibrant hub of education, innovation, and culture, State College has undergone a remarkable transformation. With a population of 40,501 at the 2020 census, the borough stands as the most populous municipality in Happy Valley and a key part of the larger Nittany Valley.
Early History and Development
The story of State College begins with the land itself. The name "Nittany Valley" and its defining landmark, Mount Nittany, are believed to originate from Native American languages (Shawnee, Iroquois, or Lenape), possibly meaning "single mountain." A popular, though mythical, tale attributes the name to Princess Nita-Nee, who supposedly led her people to the area's fertile valleys.
In 1855, The Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania was established on 400 acres of land in what was then Harris Township. This marked a turning point, as the institution would eventually evolve into Pennsylvania State University, shaping the borough's identity and growth. The location was chosen for its affordable land and the exceptional soil fertility of the Nittany Valley, owing to its rich limestone deposits. The land had previously been clear-cut to provide charcoal for the nearby Centre Furnace.
The surrounding area remained largely rural until 1875 when College Township was formed, encompassing much of what is now State College. Transportation remained a challenge until 1885 when the Pennsylvania Railroad opened a train station in Lemont, two miles from campus. Passengers relied on stagecoaches to complete their journey to State College. A train station was finally built on West College Avenue in 1892, connecting State College to the Bellefonte Central Railroad (BCRR) via Struble, improving accessibility and spurring further development.
Early 20th Century Growth and Annexation
The early 20th century saw State College begin to expand beyond its initial boundaries. In 1909, the Highland Park neighborhood, south of Downtown, was developed. The borough officially began annexing land from Ferguson and College Townships in 1916. In 1917, the Hamilton, Highland Park, and South Side additions were incorporated into the borough, reflecting a growing population and the need for more residential areas.
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From 1930 to 1968, six annexations from College Township brought the South End and Nittany Hills (Penfield) neighborhoods into the borough, further solidifying its borders.
Key Events and Developments in the Mid-20th Century
The mid-20th century was marked by significant social and political events that also impacted State College. In 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited the area to speak at Penn State, leaving a lasting impression on the community.
The late 1960s and early 1970s were a time of student activism. In 1970, university students protested against the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL), which produced torpedoes. A sit-in at Old Main resulted in numerous arrests. Protests against the ARL escalated in 1972, with approximately 2,000 protesters blocking College Avenue and North Atherton Street, leading to confrontations with police in riot gear.
In 1953, Pennsylvania State College officially became The Pennsylvania State University, a change that reflected its growing academic stature and expanding programs. At the time, Milton S. Eisenhower was the university's president.
Geography and Demographics
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 4.5 square miles (12 km2), all land. State College is surrounded by farmland and the Appalachian Mountain ranges and forests. Its location within a valley makes it prone to rain, snowfall, and flooding. State College is located in the Susquehanna watershed. It is located at the approximate geographic center of Pennsylvania.
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The Borough of State College has twelve neighborhoods and half of University Park. The Highlands have around ten thousand people, making it the largest neighborhood in the borough, followed by Downtown and Orchard Park. The Highlands are a mix of apartments, townhouses, single-family homes, businesses, and parks. The neighborhood features working class areas like Lytle Hill and Marvin Gardens, and student areas like Frat Row. The Holmes-Foster-Highlands Historic District includes parts of Holmes-Foster, the Highlands, and the West End. Holmes-Foster and the West End were two of the first neighborhoods to be developed due to their proximity to Downtown, University Park, and the Bellefonte Central Railroad. Part of College Heights makes up the College Heights Historic District which was created in 1935 and features the College Heights Service Station. Vallamont and Penfield are the least populated neighborhoods, both of which are in the foothills of Mount Nittany on the east side of town. Parkway, short for Westerly Parkway Plaza, is home to State High, the Delta Program, the Westerly Parkway Wetlands, and the Parkway Plaza Apartments, which were built in the 1960s. Orchard Park is home to the South Hills School of Business & Technology.
The 2010 census revealed a population of 42,034, with a density of 9,258.6 inhabitants per square mile (3,574.8/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 83.2% White, 3.8% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 9.8% Asian, 1.0% Other, and 2.0% from two or more races. 3.9% of the population were of Hispanic or Latino ancestry. A 2014 estimate had the racial makeup of the borough as 78.9% Non-Hispanic White, 5.6% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American and Alaska Native, 11.5% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, 0.8% Some other race, and 2.2% two or more races. The borough's demographics are significantly influenced by the student population.
Economy and Culture
Pennsylvania State University is the largest employer in the region, employing over 27,000 full- and part-time workers as of 2016. The university's presence also contributes to the town's vibrant cultural scene.
The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, also known as "Arts Fest," is a major annual event held downtown every July. The five-day festival attracts artists and over 125,000 visitors. Streets are transformed into a marketplace for paintings, pottery, jewelry, and other handmade goods.
In 2017, State College set a Guinness World Record with Light Up State College, organizing 5,226 lighted ice luminaries on South Allen Street in Downtown State College.
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Rec Hall, located on the University Park campus, has been in use since 1929 and is home to the Penn State Nittany Lions women's and men's volleyball and wrestling teams. Pegula Ice Arena, a 6,014-seat multi-purpose arena, opened in 2013 to replace the Penn State Ice Pavilion.
In 1914, the State College School Board purchased a sinkhole to build a football field and track, which became Memorial Field. The stadium hosted its first football game in 1937.
The borough offers various parks and recreational areas, including Sunset Park, Walnut Springs, Lederer Park, South Hills Park, and Community Field. Half of the Arboretum is also located within the borough.
Government, Education, and Media
State College Borough falls under the jurisdiction of several district courts. The State College Area School District operates eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school in and around State College, enrolling 6,712 students. The school district began in 1896 in the two-story Frazier Street school. In 1914 the State College High School, now known as the Fairmount Building, opened on Fraser Street. In 1957 high school students began moving into a new school on Westerly Parkway.
State College's daily newspaper is the Centre Daily Times, first published in 1898. The paper is now part of the McClatchy Company newspaper chain. State College is part of the Johnstown/Altoona/State College television market. Television stations broadcasting out of State College include WPSU 3 (PBS), WHVL-LD 29 (MyNetworkTV), and C-NET Centre County's government and education access television network.
Infrastructure and Transportation
In 2013, the State College MSA ranked as one of the lowest in the United States for the percentage of workers who commuted by private automobile. In 1892, the Bellefonte Central Railroad extended its tracks to a new station in the West End of State College. Electricity in State College is provided by West Penn Power, and natural gas service is provided by Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania. The State College Borough Water Authority provides water service to State College and surrounding townships. Healthcare providers for the area include Mount Nittany Health, Geisinger, and Penn State Health.
Historic Landmarks
Camelot is a historic house in the borough. The Holmes-Foster-Highlands Historic District with 727 contributing buildings, and College Heights Historic District with 278 were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Houses come in popular early twentieth-century architectural styles including Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, and Bungalow.
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