Allentown Information
History
Allentown was originally named Northamptontown by its founder, Chief Justice of Colonial Pennsylvania's Supreme Court, William Allen. Allen, also a former Mayor of Philadelphia and successful businessman, drew up plans for the rural village in 1762. Allen hoped Northamptontown would turn into a commercial center because of its location along the Lehigh River.
In 1838, the city officially adopted the name Allentown which was not the only change in store for this town on the Lehigh. The 1850s and 1860s saw the rise of a strong local iron industry. By the dawn of the 20th century, silk mills had taken over from the iron trade, but they were not alone. Allentown's diverse economy produced everything from parlor furniture to beer and cigars. Since World War II and particularly since the 1960s, Allentown has undergone yet another transition. Faced with the decline of manufacturing and the rise of the service economy, the city is once again dealing with change as it enters the 21st century.
Demographics
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Praesent aliquam, justo convallis luctus rutrum, erat nulla fermentum diam, at nonummy quam ante ac quam. Maecenas urna purus, fermentum id, molestie in, commodo porttitor, felis. Nam blandit quam ut lacus. Quisque ornare risus quis ligula. Phasellus tristique purus a augue condimentum adipiscing. Aenean sagittis. Etiam leo pede, rhoncus venenatis, tristique in, vulputate at, odio.