National Register Listings in
Northampton County, Pennsylvania

Arndt, Jacob, House and Barn Bangor Historic District Bethlehem Silk Mill Bethlehem Steel Lehigh Plant Mill #2 Annex Bridge in Bangor Borough Bridge in Williams Township Central Bethlehem Historic District Central Bethlehem Historic District (Boundary Increase) Chain Bridge Coffeetown Grist Mill College Hill Residential Historic District County Bridge No. 36 Easton Cemetery Easton Historic District Easton House Edelman Schoolhouse Ehrhart's Mill Historic District Elmwood Park Historic District Gemeinhaus-Lewis David De Schweinitz Residence Gosztonyi Savings and Trust Gristmiller's House Heller, Michael and Margaret, House Heller, William Jacob, House Historic Moravian Bethlehem Historic District Illick's Mill Jacobsburg Historic District Kreiderville Covered Bridge Lehigh Canal Lehigh Canal: Eastern Section Glendon and Abbott Street Industrial Sites Lehigh Canal; Allentown to Hopeville Section Lehigh Valley Railroad Headquarters Building Lehigh Valley Silk Mills Lutz-Franklin School Martin, C.F. & Company. McCollum and Post Silk Mill Mixsell, Jacob, House Moravian Sun Inn Nazareth Hall Tract Nazareth Historic District Nicholas, Jacob, House Northampton County Bridge No. 15 Old Waterworks Packer Memorial Chapel Parsons-Taylor House Pembroke Village Historic District R. K. Laros Silk Mill Real Estate Building Seipsville Hotel Simon, Herman, House Simon, R. and H., Silk Mill South Bethlehem Downtown Historic District State Theatre Steckel, Daniel, House Stout, Isaac, House Tannery, The Wagner, John and Family Farmstead Weona Park Carousel Whitefield House and Gray Cottage Zeta Psi Fraternity House
The first recorded U.S. flag-raising on foreign soil occurred in 1777, when the Stars and Stripes were flown during a naval battle off the coast of Quiberon Bay, France, commanded by Pennsylvania native John Paul Jones.
Northampton County, Pennsylvania has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early colonial period. The region was first settled by Native American tribes, including the Lenape, who inhabited the area for thousands of years. In the 17th century, European settlers, primarily of German and Dutch origin, began arriving in the region. In 1752, Northampton County was officially established, named after the English county of the same name.

During the American Revolution, Northampton County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The region's iron industry flourished, producing weaponry and supplies for the Continental Army. The county also saw several notable battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of Trenton in 1776.

In the 19th century, Northampton County experienced rapid industrialization, particularly in the Lehigh Valley region. The construction of the Lehigh Canal and later the railroad system spurred economic growth and the development of towns and cities such as Bethlehem, Easton, and Allentown. The county became a center for iron and steel production, with Bethlehem Steel becoming one of the largest industrial companies in the world.

In recent decades, Northampton County has undergone significant changes. The decline of the steel industry led to the closure of Bethlehem Steel in 1995, resulting in a shift towards a more diverse economy. Today, the county is known for its healthcare, education, and service sectors, with several colleges and universities contributing to its vibrant community. The area also boasts a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and exploring the scenic landscapes along the Delaware River and the Appalachian Mountains.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

  • 1752 – Northampton County, PA is established as one of Pennsylvania's original counties.
  • 1776 – The signing of the Declaration of Independence marks the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1803 – The Lehigh Canal is completed, connecting Northampton County to Philadelphia and promoting economic growth.
  • 1837 – The Borough of Easton, located in Northampton County, is incorporated.
  • 1855 – The Pennsylvania State Normal School (now East Stroudsburg University) is founded in Northampton County.
  • 1893 – The Northampton County Courthouse, a Richardsonian Romanesque-style building, is constructed in Easton.
  • 1937 – The Lehigh Valley International Airport (formerly Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton Airport) is established.
  • 1970 – The Martin Tower, the former headquarters of Bethlehem Steel, is completed, becoming the tallest building in Pennsylvania outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh at the time.
  • 1992 – The Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem opens, bringing a new era of entertainment and tourism to Northampton County.
  • 2001 – The Musikfest festival, one of the largest music festivals in the United States, celebrates its 20th anniversary in Bethlehem.