Allentown, Pennsylvania

Allentown history

Allentown was founded in 1752 by William Allen, who originally called it Allentown. In 1811, it was incorporated as the borough of Northampton. In 1838, the original name was restored.

Related Topics:
1752 - William Allen - 1811 - 1838

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Allentown holds historical significance as the location where the Liberty Bell was hidden by the Continental Congress during a portion of the Revolutionary War. As the British were attempting to seize Philadelphia in 1777, the Liberty Bell was moved north and hidden successfully by the colonies in the basement of a center city Allentown church.

Related Topics:
Liberty Bell - Continental Congress - Revolutionary War - British - 1777

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Today, at Allentown's Old Zion Reformed Church, a shrine in the church's basement marks the exact spot where the Liberty Bell was hidden. It features a full-size official replica of the Liberty Bell flanked by the flags of the original thirteen colonies and is the only replica of its type.

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Also during the Revolutionary War, the son of the founder of Allentown, James Allen, built a summer home in the middle of Allentown called Trout Hall. Allen and his family moved there from Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War to escape British attempts to capture or kill him.

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