Allentown is a city in the state of Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1762 by William Allen, a prominent Philadelphia merchant and former mayor. Allentown was originally named Northampton Town, but later named after its founder. The city played a significant role during the American Revolutionary War, when it served as a hiding place for the Liberty Bell to protect it from British forces. Over the years, Allentown has grown from a small colonial settlement into a busy urban center, becoming the third-largest city in Pennsylvania.

In the 19th century, Allentown’s strategic location along the Lehigh River and the construction of the Lehigh Canal spurred industrial growth. The city became a center for iron production, cement manufacturing, and other industries, attracting a diverse workforce and fostering economic development. The establishment of the Allentown Iron Works in 1847 and the opening of the Lehigh Valley Railroad further strengthened the city’s status as an industrial powerhouse, which is easy to see when visiting the city today.

Downtown Allentown is the heart of the city with Hamilton Street as the main street. Along it is a mix of heritage buildings and modern architecture making it interesting just to walk the street. You can start to explore Allentown from the intersection of Hamilton and Seventh Streets, where you can see the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The monument was dedicated in 1899 to Civil War and Spanish-American War dead. On top of the sculptures with union soldiers and a confederate soldier stands the Goddess of Liberty.

The city’s architectural diversity is seen in the central business district and highlighted by the PPL Building, a 23-story Art Deco skyscraper that dominates the downtown skyline. It was built 1926-1928 and was at a time home to the fastest elevators in the world. The Americus Hotel from 1926-1927 is also worth seeing, and the Allentown Art Museum is another downtown landmark. It offers an impressive collection of American and European art with works by Rembrandt, Frans Snyders, and more. You can also see Lehighton, a mural made by the American painter Franz Kline.

The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, also with a downtown location, is home to exhibitions on the Lehigh Valley history with an extensive collection of local and regional artifacts. If you are into more cultural and heritage buildings, you can visit the Miller Symphony Hall, a performing arts facility that hosts the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, and the Allentown Masonic Temple from 1925. Additionally, the Albertus L. Meyers Bridge, also known as the 8th Street Bridge, is a significant historical structure that was once the longest and highest reinforced concrete arch bridge in the world.

There are more popular choices in Allentown. The Da Vinci Science Center offers interactive exhibits and educational programs for visitors of all ages, and it is easy accessible with its central location. A bit east along the Lehigh River is the America On Wheels Museum, a transportation museum in a former industrial area. Here are bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles and trucks in exhibits telling the story of people and products on the move. If you want to get into the nature, the Trexler Nature Preserve is located just outside the city with a lot of trails, wildlife, and scenic views.