Introduction to Catasauqua, Pennsylvania
Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, in Lehigh county, is 3 miles N of Allentown, Pennsylvania (center to center) and 51 miles N of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Part of the surrounding Allentown - Bethlehem - Easton metro area, the town is not isolated.
Catasauqua History
George Taylor built a Georgian stone house in the area in 1768. The region was originally referred to as "Biery's Port." In 1840, the anthracite iron industry was established which marked the community as the birthplace of the country's Industrial Revolution. David Thomas, known as "the father of Catasauqua," founded Crane Iron Works in the area. He initially christened the community "Craneville." Thomas also founded the Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua, installed Catasauqua's first public water system, and organized its first fire company. The town was officially named "Catasauqua" in 1854, and incorporated the same year. This name, derived from the Lenni Lenape language, meant "burnt ground," "parched land," or "thirsty ground." In 1917, Catasauqua became the nation's first community to raise $1 million in war bonds. It was thereafter nicknamed "The Million Dollar Town."
Catasauqua and Nearby Attractions
- George Taylor House
- Lehigh County Museum
- Lock Ridge Furnace Museum
- Nockamixon State Park
- Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom
- Eckley Miners' Village
Things To Do In Catasauqua
The Biery's Port region and the "mansion district" of Catasauqua are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The George Taylor House, a designated historic landmark, reflects the community's historical heritage. Originally a mining village, the Eckley Miners' Village was transformed into a museum in 1971 and now includes a company store, workers' dwellings, and doctor's offices. The town is also close to several museums like the Lock Ridge Furnace Museum, Lehigh County Museum, National Canal Museum, Haines Mill Museum, and Allentown Art Museum. Opportunities for swimming, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, biking, whitewater boating, and picnicking are available at the Ralph Stover State Park, Beltzville State Park, and Nockamixon State Park.
Catasauqua Transportation
Lehigh Valley International Airport is nearby.
Catasauqua Higher Education
Cedar Crest College, Muhlenberg College, Lehigh Carbon Community College, and Penn State Lehigh Valley are some of the colleges close to Catasauqua.