Allentown Live Cam

A beautiful city in Lehigh County in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania


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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.

Today, Allentown is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and culture. It is home to numerous museums, including the Allentown Art Museum and the Liberty Bell Museum, as well as several colleges and universities. The city is also known for its parks and outdoor recreation, including the Lehigh Parkway, the Allentown Rose Gardens, and the Jordan Creek Greenway.

Allentown Top Tourist Attractions

There are many top tourist attractions in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Some of the most popular ones include:

  • Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom: This amusement park is a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. It features roller coasters, water rides, and other attractions.
  • Allentown Art Museum: This museum features a collection of American and European art, including works by local artists and pieces from around the world.
  • America On Wheels Museum: This museum showcases the history of transportation in the United States, with exhibits on cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles.
  • Da Vinci Science Center: This hands-on science museum is designed for children and families, with exhibits on topics like electricity, gravity, and robotics.
  • Liberty Bell Museum: This museum is housed in the historic Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ, where the Liberty Bell was hidden during the Revolutionary War. It features exhibits on the Liberty Bell and other American symbols of freedom.
  • Lehigh Valley Zoo: This zoo is home to more than 300 animals from around the world, including endangered species like the Mexican gray wolf and the African penguin.
  • Allentown Symphony Orchestra: This professional orchestra performs classical and popular music throughout the year at the historic Miller Symphony Hall.
  • Coca-Cola Park: This minor league baseball stadium is home to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, a Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies.

These are just a few of the top tourist attractions in Allentown. The city has much more to offer, including shopping, dining, and cultural events.

Allentown Climate

Allentown has a humid continental climate, with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with average high temperatures in the 80s Fahrenheit (around 27-32 degrees Celsius) and occasional heat waves. Winters are cold and snowy, with average high temperatures in the 30s Fahrenheit (around -1 to 4 degrees Celsius) and occasional cold snaps with temperatures below zero.

Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and colorful foliage in the fall. The average annual precipitation in Allentown is around 45 inches (114 cm), with rain falling fairly evenly throughout the year. Snowfall is common in the winter months, with an average annual total of around 33 inches (84 cm).

Allentown is located in the northeastern United States, where weather patterns can be affected by large-scale systems like the Atlantic Ocean, the Great Lakes, and the Appalachian Mountains. As a result, weather in Allentown can be variable and unpredictable, with occasional severe weather events like thunderstorms, tornadoes, and winter storms.

Allentown Geography

Allentown is located in eastern Pennsylvania, in the United States. The city is situated in the Lehigh Valley region, which is named for the Lehigh River that runs through it. Allentown is the largest city in Lehigh County and is located approximately 60 miles (97 km) north of Philadelphia and 90 miles (145 km) west of New York City.

The city covers an area of approximately 18.0 square miles (46.6 square km), with a population of around 121,000 people (according to the 2020 US Census). Allentown is situated on a relatively flat plain, with rolling hills and wooded areas to the north and west. The Lehigh River runs along the southern edge of the city, and several smaller streams and creeks flow through the area.

The surrounding landscape is characterized by farmland, forests, and small towns, with several state and national parks located nearby. The city is easily accessible by several major highways, including Interstate 78, U.S. Route 22, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The Lehigh Valley International Airport is located just a few miles from the city center, providing air transportation to destinations around the country.