1-833-933-4TFD
Lehigh County, located in eastern Pennsylvania, is a county rich in history. From its early beginnings as a hub for the iron industry to its more recent focus on technology, this county has been at the forefront of innovation and progress. Here are 7 interesting facts about the history of Lehigh County:
1. Lehigh County was formed in 1812 from portions of Northampton County and named after the Lehigh River, which flows through it. The county is home to Allentown, the third-largest city in Pennsylvania.
2. Allentown was once known as the "Queen City" because of its rapid growth and prosperity. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the city became a center of the silk and textile industry, as well as a major hub for the iron and steel trade.
3. The first blast furnace in America was constructed in Lehigh County in 1825. The furnace, known as the "Lehigh Crane Iron Company," produced iron for the railroads and other growing industries. Today, the site is a National Historic Landmark and open to the public.
4. Muhlenberg College, located in Allentown, was founded in 1848 by the Lutheran Church to train future ministers. The college has since expanded its offerings and is now a private liberal arts college with over 2,000 students.
5. Lehigh County played a critical role during the Civil War. The county provided troops to the Union Army and was home to a military hospital that treated wounded soldiers. Emmaus, a town in Lehigh County, was the site of Camp Crane, a training site for Army ambulance drivers.
6. The Mack Truck Company, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks and buses, was founded in Allentown in 1900. The company was instrumental in the development of the military convoys used during World War I and World War II.
7. Lehigh County is home to the Lehigh Valley International Airport, which was originally built in the 1920s as a private airfield. Today, the airport serves over 800,000 passengers each year and is an important economic driver for the region.
These are just a few of the many interesting facts about the history of Lehigh County. From its role in the industrial revolution to its modern-day tech sector, Lehigh County continues to be a dynamic and vibrant part of Pennsylvania’s history.
← Older Post Newer Post →