Allentown, PA, was founded in the 1760s in eastern Pennsylvania. Allentown was greatly influenced by immigrants coming into the area, as well as the nearby Philadelphia area. The immigration into the Allentown, PA, area left its mark on the homes and other buildings in the area. A visitor to Allentown could spend a week touring the homes and other architecturally interesting homes in town. Here are some of the highlights for those coming to the Allentown area of Pennsylvania.
A great place to begin your tour of the architectural homes and buildings of the Allentown, PA, area is the George Taylor House and Park. George Taylor was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and his home is from this era in American History. Guided tours are given on weekends for a nominal fee.
The Frank Buchman House is a Victorian home that was constructed in the 1890’s. The Buchman House is a three story row house that is furnished in period items. Admission to the Buchman house is free. The house located on North 11th Street is open on weekends.
Trout Hall is a Georgian Colonial home from 1770. Located on Walnut Street in Allentown, Trout Hall offers period furnishings and a museum. Guided tours are offered on weekends April through November and through the week from June through August. A small fee is charged for the tour.
The Troxell-Steckel House and Farm Museum is a stone home built in the mid 1700’s. The home was built in the German Medieval style and includes rooms furnished with period items, a museum, and a barn (with farming equipment). Guided tours are available for a small fee on weekends from June through October.
The Haines Mill Museum is a reconstructed working gristmill form the 1760’s. The gristmill is open for tours on weekends from May through September. There is no fee to tour the Haines Mill Museum.
Muhlenberg College was founded in the mid 1800’s by the Lutheran Church. Muhlenberg College is home to numerous interesting buildings including a Gothic style chapel and a building designed by Philip Johnson. Muhlenberg College is located on Chew Street in Allentown, PA.
Another unique place to visit in Allentown is the Liberty Bell Shrine. The Liberty Bell Shrine is a reconstructed church where the Liberty Bell was hidden during the American Revolution.
Allentown, PA, is located at the juncture of Interstates 78 and 476. Allentown is located to the north of Philadelphia and is a great location for a weekend trip.
For more information visit http://www.lehighvalleypa.org/.
