Borough of Alexandria
“The Gem of the Juniata”
Exciting projects are underway to improve the borough, including the Stormwater Drainage project. Due to this, there is absolutely no parking permitted in the Hartslog Street parking area from Oct. 18 to Nov. 20. We appreciate your cooperation!
Community Gratitude: Melvin Lane Nature Park Dedication
On Sunday, September 20, 2026, the Alexandria community gathered along the Juniata River to celebrate the official groundbreaking and dedication of the Melvin Lane Nature Park, and we want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this milestone possible.
We also thank the Lane family for their generous land donation and active participation in the ceremony, honoring Melvin “The Birdman” Lane’s enduring conservation legacy. We also want to recognize the tireless dedication of Alexandria Borough Council President Judy Scott, whose vision and leadership were instrumental in transforming this historic riverfront into a vibrant natural sanctuary. Finally, this project would not have come to fruition without the collaborative efforts of our elected officials, including Senator Judy Ward, State Representative Rich Irvin, and the office of Congressman John Joyce, whose continued advocacy for our region helped secure the necessary grant funding.
Thank you to the Borough Vice President, Mike Peters, the countless volunteers, artists, and neighbors who are helping create a lasting space for education, recreation, and community fellowship.
History
The year 1744 is the first record of John Hart (Hart’s logg) , near where Alexandria is located now. During the land purchase of 1755 James Sterrat of Carlisle purchased 400 acres including the sleeping place called John Hart’s logg on the Juniata River, which is now Alexandria.
Some time in the years before 1785 the first mention of a religious group called Hartslog Presbyterian Congregation was formed. A log worship house, Old Hartslog Church stood upon the hill one mile (1.6 km) north of the present site of the town of Alexandria, where a burial ground was later made. This was a primitive structure but by 1787 a floor was laid, six large windows set in, a large door constructed, and a pulpit and a communion table made. In 1794 it was laid off into four sections, and fitted with pews. In 1826, the old Hartslog congregation moved to a brick building, referred to by Senator John Scott in his memoirs as the “Brick Church”, which seems to have been located near to the site of the present Reformed Church. The old log worship house was taken down the same year, and some of its logs were used in one or two of the dwellings of Alexandria.
In the late 18th century the primary transportation to and from Alexandria was the Juniata River, suitable only during summer and when the water depth permitted. On May 3, 1808, the new road from Harrisburg to Alexandria opened, permitting a more reliable connection with the outside world. In 1833 the Juniata Division of the Pennsylvania Canal was opened, the promise of better transportation started a mini housing boom in Alexandria. By 1875 the canal was abandoned and the Pennsylvania Railroad managed the transportation needs of the area. Around this time the growth of the area slowed, while the populations of Huntingdon and Hollidaysburg grew.