1847History
The land was originally surveyed in 1847 and put up for sale by the US government in 1848, but it took six years to sell.
1854Government
== History ==
Anthony Yant first settled in what is now Altoona in 1854, the same year Gilbert T.
1868History
After many sales between different families, the Davis family ended up with the land on February 1, 1868.
1876Civil Rights
Altoona was incorporated as a city on March 11, 1876.
1877History
After the great train crash of 1877, English rushed to the scene.
1897History
United Mine Workers of America Local 407 was organized in Altoona in 1897, and by 1902, it had 61 members.
1962Education
The Altoona Elementary building also was the town's high school until it joined the Southeast Polk consolidation in 1962.
1998Architecture
In 1998, the Altoona Public Library opened at its new location at 700 8th Street SW.
2000History
=== 2000 census ===
As of the census of 2000, there were 10,345 people, 3,850 households, and 2,895 families residing in the city.
2003Culture
On May 5, 2003, the Altoona City Council recognized the Altoona Area Historical Society as the city's official organization to collect, secure, and preserve the artifacts and re...
2010History
=== 2010 census ===
As of the census of 2010, there were 14,541 people, 5,459 households, and 3,945 families residing in the city.
2011Architecture
In 2011 the Altoona Area Historical Society started major renovation work on the interior of Altoona's oldest building.
2013Architecture
In 2013, construction began for a new Facebook data center.
2016Architecture
In February 2016, the Cinemark Altoona theater was opened.
2017Architecture
In October 2017, the Outlets of Des Moines were opened.
2020History
== Demographics ==
=== 2020 census ===
As of the census of 2020, there were 19,565 people, 7,575 households, and 5,166 families residing in the city.