Be prepared to enjoy yourself, as you are coming to an area that is rich in natural splendor, historical significance, cultural diversity and industrial strength. The Lehigh Valley is the third largest industrial market in Pennsylvania with over 500,000 residents who are committed to progress. The valley is engaged in a dynamic period of growth whereby industrial, political and community powers are taking on the challenge of the 21st century. A perfect area in which to raise a family, you will discover wonderful educational facilities on all levels, exceptional health care and a wide variety of cultural and recreational offerings.

The land in and around Allentown and the Lehigh Valley was purchased in 1732, by sons of William Penn, as part of the famous "Walking Purchase." In 1735 William Allen, then Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Provincial Supreme Court, bought 5,000 acres of this land. The town was laid out in 1762, although was not called Allentown until 1838. During the Revolutionary War Allentown served as an arsenal for Washington's Army as well as a hiding place for the Liberty Bell . A shrine, including a full size replica of the bell is displayed in the Zion Reform Church, located at Hamilton and Church Streets.

The city is located on the Lehigh River and bordered on the North by the Blue Mountains and on the South by South Mountain. Philadelphia is a mere 50 miles to the south and the Big Apple is located 70 miles to the northeast. Allentown is nationally famous for its excellent park system composed of almost 1,700 acres. There are parks, playgounds, swimming pools, tennis courts, bridle paths, bike trails and picnic grounds, all available to the residents.

The city of Allentown has a population of over 100,000 people but within the Lehigh Valley there are close to 700,000 residents in 1460.75 square miles. The Lehigh Valley includes Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton.

Bethlehem was founded in 1741 when William Allen of Philadelphia sold a 5,000 acre tract of land to a group of Moravian settlers. These missionaries, seekers of freedom from religious persecution in Europe, gathered on Christmas Eve of 1741 to worship in a crude log house built upon this land. The simplicity of the shelter reminded them of the stable in which the Christ child had been born, and in commemoration they named the settlement Bethlehem, "House of Bread". The community quickly became a well-planned center for trade and industry. They created the first industrial settlement and general economy allowing for their missionary work to continue until the 19th Century when their community became open to others. By the turn of the century, immigrants began arriving in Bethlehem from throughout Europe to work in the Bethlehem Steel mills.

The mix of ethnic backgrounds creates an atmosphere that sets Bethlehem apart from other communities. The ethnically diverse Southside and well-preserved Old Moravian District offers residents and visitors a safe, fun, friendly and affordable environment. A mix of Irish, German, Czech, Slovak, Hungarian, Polish and Puerto Rican cultures still exist today.

The Junction of two rivers, the Delaware and Lehigh, has played an important role in the settlement of Easton. Lenape Indians, the earliest inhabitants, named the area Lechauwitank meaning the 'place at the forks.' In those days, the land where Easton now stands was wilderness -- a high plain surrounded by wooded ridges.

Easton was founded in 1752 by Thomas Penn, son of the colony's original proprietor William Penn, to be the administrative seat of the new county of Northampton. He named this settlement Easton after the country estate of his father-in-law Easton Neston, in Northamptonshire, England. The town was laid out with the same innovative concept used in Philadelphia --a grid around a "Great Square." It was in this square where Native Americans met with colonial officials for the Indian peace treaty councils that destroyed the alliance between the French and tribal warriors -- making it possible for the English to conquer the Ohio Valley during the French-Indian War. It was also in this great square on July 8, 1776 that the citizens of Easton heard a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Easton proudly holds the distinction as one of only three colonial cities in which this important document was read publicly. During the Revolutionary War, Easton became a major supply center for the Continental Army, and it was from here that General John Sullivan launched a devastating campaign against the Iroquois, allies of the British.

In the nineteenth century, Easton became one of this country's earliest industrial centers because of its location at the junction of the two rivers, the Lehigh, Delaware and Morris canals, and five major railroads. These commercial arteries gave Easton ready access to New York, Philadelphia and the booming anthracite coal regions. Prosperity and civic pride was furthered during this period by both the founding of Lafayette College in 1832 and construction of magnificent buildings and homes. The wealth of architecture is reflected in the three National Historic Districts within the city. Today, Easton continues to offer much to both visitors and residents... exciting attractions, rich history and unique shopping.

The Lehigh Valley is a multifaceted area with much to offer you and your family. Come visit us soon!

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