Allentown Live Cam

A beautiful city in Lehigh County in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania



Allentown History

Allentown is a city located in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, United States. It was founded in 1762 by William Allen, a wealthy businessman and former mayor of Philadelphia. Allen had purchased a large tract of land in the area, which he named Northampton Town. The town grew slowly at first, but the arrival of the Lehigh Canal in the 1820s and the railroad in the 1850s brought rapid growth and prosperity to the area.

Allentown played a significant role in the industrial development of the United States, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The city was home to many large factories and mills, including the world-famous Bethlehem Steel Corporation, which was located just a few miles away in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In addition to steel production, Allentown was also known for its production of silk, textiles, and other goods.

Allentown's population grew rapidly throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, as immigrants from Europe and other parts of the world came to work in the city's factories and mills. The city also played a significant role in the development of the American labor movement, with many workers organizing and striking for better wages and working conditions.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Allentown experienced economic decline, as many of its factories and mills closed or moved overseas. However, in recent years, the city has seen a resurgence, with new development and investment bringing new businesses and opportunities to the area.