Northampton County Communities

Allen Township was originally part of Bucks County. Thirty-seven signers formed a petition to the Court of Quarter Sessions in Newtown, Bucks County, in June 1748 for the creation of a township. The name is derived from Chief Justice William Allen of Philadelphia who owned the "Allen Tract" of 5,000 acres. While the Township has a predominantly rural atmosphere, it includes a mixture of rural, suburban and industrial/ commercial.

Allen Township is especially proud of the Kreidersville Covered Bridge, which was built in 1839. The Bridge was restored and closed to traffic in 1961.

School District

Northampton Area School District 610-262-7811

Public Library

Northampton Area Public Library 610-262-7537

Bath may not have the “big city” malls, movie theaters, etc. but we have something much more desirable – caring. Caring for our neighbors, caring for our churches, schools, businesses, caring for our local government. The difference? This is a two-sided characteristic; local government cares for the people – and that is what makes Bath unique.

School District

Northampton Area School District 610-262-7811

Public Library

Northampton Area Public Library 610-262-7537

The borough was settled about 1760 and first incorporated in 1875. The founder and first Chief Burgess of Bangor was Robert M. Jones, an emigrant from  Bangor, Wales . He was the prime mover in the establishment of the slate industry in Northampton County. Slate quarries pepper the area, but only a few are still functioning. A life-sized statue of him, dedicated on September 24, 1914, remains in the town center. In the official program for the unveiling it states "... Mr. Jones in his prime had many charming qualities, chief among which was his constant optimistic disposition.

School District

Bangor Area School District 610-588-2163

Public Library

Bangor Public Library 610-588-4136

Bethlehem is divided into four main areas: Center City, West Side, East Side, and South Side. The West Side is located in Lehigh County, while the other three neighborhoods are located in Northampton county.

Center City is bounded by the Monocacy Creek to the west, Hanover and Bethlehem townships (both Northampton County) to the north, and Stefko Boulevard to the east.

The West Side begins at the city's western border with Allentown and continues east to the Monocacy Creek and north to Hanover Township (Lehigh County).

The Mount Airy Neighborhood is bounded by Pennsylvania Ave to the west, W. Broad St to the north, 2nd Ave to the east and the Lehigh River to the south.

The East Side is bordered to the west by Center City and to the east by Bethlehem Township and Freemansburg. The East Side includes the Pembroke Village area.

The South Side's borders are Fountain Hill to the west, the Lehigh River to the north, South Mountain to the south, and Hellertown to the east.

School District

Bethlehem Area School District 610-861-0500

Public Library

Bethlehem Public Library 610-861-0500

Preceded by Native Americans, Europeans were first documented in Bethlehem Township as early as 1730. The area became a part of Bucks County in 1737. It got its name from the village of Bethlehem, which at that time was within the Township boundaries. The name "Bethlehem" was originally chosen by German Moravians on Christmas Eve 1741.

On March 10, 1746, thirteen spirited residents petitioned the Bucks County Court for the formation of the Township. The petition was accepted in Newtown and the Township of Bethlehem came into existence as a political division of Bucks County. At that time the Township included present-day Upper and Lower Nazareth Townships, and the Boroughs of Bethlehem and Freemansburg. It also included the Lehigh River, Monocacy Creek and several small streams, including the well-known "Nancy's Run" or Nancy Run Creek.

The population of Bethlehem Township in 1780 was 1,375. In 1806 George Butz built a grist mill along the Nancy Run. Soon after, a group of dwellings sprang up including the Butztown Hotel and the area became known as "Butztown". The mill was later sold to R.T. Schweitzer who continued to operate the mill. The mill and the hotel can be found on a map, dated 1870.

In 1776, land in the Township was bought at 27 cents per acre. Industry - mostly milling and later a Blue Mt. Paint Mills - grew in the Township until the time of the Civil War. By this time the geographical area of Bethlehem Township was much the same as it is today. Areas of Nazareth separated in 1780 and 1807, Bethlehem Borough in 1845, and Freemansburg in 1856. By 1870 - and despite geographical shifts - the population was 2,230. Between 1910 and 1930, a wave of immigration spurred an increase in population and "Miller Heights" was started in the 1920s from former farm.

From about 1945 to 1954, an excess of what historians called "war babies" assured a steady increase in the Township's population as soldier returned from World War II. Throughout the 1950s the Township experienced substantial construction and expanded in population significantly. On January 1st, 1963 Bethlehem Township was incorporated as a first class township of Northampton County.

School District

Bethlehem Area School District 610-861-0500

Public Library

Bethlehem Area Public Library 610-867-3761

Bushkill Township has been in existence since 1763 and was incorporated in 1813. It was once part of Plainfield Township. It is located in the North Central part of Northampton County, bordered by Ross, Plainfield, Upper Nazareth, and Moore Townships encompassing 25.8 square miles. The Bushkill Creek is our main tributary, with the Monocacy Creek Watershed in the southwestern corner.

The first inhabitants were the Delaware Indians, followed by the early settlers who were mostly German farmers. Their special love for the soil produced many fine farms, and even now it remains quite rural. Our little villages of Jacobsburg, Cherry Hill, Clearfield and Bushkill Center are still serving the public needs, along with the new shopping center near Wind Gap.

The primary linkage between Bushkill Township and the Lehigh Valley is via Routes 512 and 33. Bushkill Township is only minutes from the cities of Easton, Bethlehem and Allentown, making it an ideal location to live.

School District

Nazareth Area School District 610-759-1730

Public Library

Memorial Library of Nazareth 610-759-4932

​Chapman Borough is a small borough located in Northampton County. Chapman Borough was incorporated October 25, 1865. We are mostly residential with only a few small private businesses. We have a borough park, which includes a playground and pavilion with picnic tables. At one time Chapman was noted for its slate. The slate from Chapman Quarry was of a very superior quality. Today the quarry is now filled with water; the slate factory stack and shale piles are all that is left of the former Chapman Quarries Slate Company.

School District

Northampton Area School District 610-262-7811

Public Library

Northampton Area Public Library 610-262-7537

​The City of Easton is the gateway for Pennsylvania and Northampton County. The city’s prime assets include its scenic and accessible location and the prestigious Lafayette College. Our neighborhoods have a building stock of architectural styles that span some 250 years. Three city parks protect our prime waterfront properties and allow for passive and active recreation. Tourism opportunities include Two Rivers Landing; home to the Crayola Factory, National Canal Museum and the National Heritage Corridor Visitor Center; and the majestic State Theater Center for the Arts. The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry chose Easton as its 1999 Outstanding Pennsylvania Community. Chamber President Floyd Warner said,

“The City of Easton is a model for other Pennsylvania communities to follow.”

School District

Easton Area School District 610-250-2400

Public Library

Easton Area Public Library 610-258-2917

​East Allen Township has two parks. The largest is Bicentennial Park located between Hanover St. and Colony Dr. and consisting of 64 acres. This park includes two handicap accessible restrooms, tennis courts, six ball fields, three pavilions, basketball courts, soccer fields, volleyball areas, playgrounds and kiddie areas, a nature area, passive exercise trail and a walking trail. It is also adjacent to the County walking trail. The smaller park is Jacksonville Park located on Jacksonville Road and consisting of a ball field, basketball court, kiddie playground and pavilion. Pavilions in both parks are rented out for residents to use for picnics and parties. The Township is a mix of residential and agricultural uses and is conveniently located near Allentown and Bethlehem.

School District

Northampton Area School District 610-262-7811

Public Library

Northampton Area Public Library 610-262-7537

Centrally located within the Slate Belt, it is an easy commute from the New York and Philadelphia metro areas. We are a very small close knit residential community with a rich heritage. We have our own local police force, a sewer and water authority along with a well-used recreational park within our borough. We are close to the ever growing and beautiful Poconos and also the city life of Allentown and Bethlehem. A spirit of volunteerism is ever present and helps our community be a wonderful place to live.

School District

Bangor Area School District 610-588-2163

Public Library

Bangor Public Library 610-588-4136

Forks Township was founded in 1754 as an agricultural based community located between the Bushkill Creek and the Delaware River north of the City of Easton.

It is obvious the township was named for the Forks of the Delaware, where the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers converge at Easton.

The township was briefly involved in one of the most noted chapters of the revolution, the Sullivan Expedition of 1779 where Gen. John Sullivan was to proceed to New York State to engage the Iroquois Indians.

Today, Forks Township is one of the fastest growing communities in Northampton County experiencing a 51% increase in population growth since 1990. Yet, the township still maintains its rural atmosphere with almost 55% of the land used for agricultural purposes and 184 acres set aside as park and open space land.

Home of Binney & Smith, makers of Crayola® crayons, Forks Township also enjoys a significant commercial and industrial base.

As we move through 2004, Forks Township will continue its stretch of popularity among those interested in the quality of life we offer.

School District

Easton Area School District 610-250-2400

Public Library

Easton Area Public Library -Palmer Branch 610-258-7492

The Borough of Freemansburg was incorporated in January, 1856 and is approximately one square mile in size. Named after Jacob Freeman, whose grandfather settled this area in the 1700s, the Borough has grown to a population of nearly 2000 residents. Nestled in the heart of the Lehigh Valley along the banks of the Lehigh River, a portion of the Borough is located within the historic Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Canal Corridor. Lock #44 of the D&L Canal is situated within the Borough limits along with the original Lock Keeper’s House and the restored Mule Barn. Remains of the Geissinger Grist Mill are also located between the Lock and the River. The Borough maintains its portion of the Towpath, which is an educational and scenic journey for residents and visitors alike.

School District

Bethlehem Area School District 610-861-0500

Public Library

Bethlehem Area Public Library 610-865-7110

The Borough of Glendon was incorporated in September 1867, and celebrated their 125th anniversary at Hugh Moore Park in 1992. The first Chief Burgess of Glendon was Joseph Morrison, born in Ireland, who came to Glendon in 1840 from Summit Hill. He was responsible, along with others, for raising the money to build historic Keystone Furnace. Over the years, Glendon had three schools. The first was in back of the Old Thomas Iron Works at Island Park. The second, closed around 1934, sits on the hillside below the Glendon Church and is now a private residence. The third, now Glendon Town Hall, closed in 1959 when Glendon Borough School District became a member of the Wilson Borough School District. Theresa A. Morrison became Glendon’s first woman mayor in January 1992.

School District

Wilson Area School District 610-258-0841

Public Library

Mary Meuser Memorial Library 610-258-3040

​Hanover Township was originally part of John and Richard Penn's "Manor of Fermor" but was not officially incorporated as a separate entity until August 8, 1798. The Township acquired its present boundaries in 1812 when Lehigh County was created and the Township was divided. Throughout the nineteenth century and into the twentieth, farming was the mainstay of the Township. Until 1956, three one-room schools were the locations for the education of Township children. Today, Hanover Township has the 1st and 2nd ranked elementary schools in the Bethlehem Area School District. Hanover Elementary has also been the number one ranked elementary school in Pennsylvania, and was most recently recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. Hanover Township balances residential homes, a variety of businesses and excellent recreation facilities including; ten parks, several recreation fields, a township pool and the Hanover Township Community Center.

Hanover Township’s annual events include Sousa Concert, Hanover Carnival, Ready to Read program, Patriot Day, Halloween Celebration, Holiday Tree Lighting, and National Night Out.

The Hanover Township Community Center works with the local hospitals to hold free memory screenings, flu shots, healthy cooking classes, healthy heart programs, osteoporosis screenings and a host of other health related projects. The Community Center holds summer camps, swimming lessons, sports clinics, card clubs, exercise groups for all ages, pre-school programs and many other community minded functions.

School District

Bethlehem Area School District 610-861-0500

Public Library

Bethlehem Area Public Library 610-867-3761

​The Borough of Hellertown derives its name from the area’s first inhabitants, Christopher Heller and his family, who arrived in Philadelphia aboard the ship “Winter Galley” in 1738. Johan Simon Heller, Christopher’s second son, later purchased a 200-acre parcel of land along the Saucon Creek and built what by 1746 had become known as Wagner’s Grist and Saw Mill.

Today, Hellertown is basically a residential community with its major businesses located along Main Street (State Route 412). One of the Borough’s historical attractions is the restored Grist Mill, located along

the Saucon Creek on Walnut Street. Another popular tourist attraction is Lost River Caverns, located off he beaten path along Durham Street, and open year round to visitors. Perhaps the aspect of Hellertown most appreciated by the Borough’s residents is the community’s extensive open space and park system, including Dimmick Park, named after Chief Burgess Morris Dimmick. His foresight led not only to the green spaces within the Borough, but also construction of a municipal swimming pool, which opened in 1939, and acquisition of extensive watershed properties that supply Hellertown residents with superior quality water.

The community lies in a culturally rich area in the Lehigh Valley, and in close proximity to major highways, including I-78, which allows for easy access to and from major urban areas of the Northeast for commerce and tourism.

School District

Saucon Valley School District 610-838-7026

Public Library

Hellertown Area Library 610-838-8381

Founded in 1752. Lehigh Township is predominately agricultural, rural, and residential. Large tracts of State Gamelands are along the northern tier of the Township.

School District

Northampton Area School District 610-262-7811

Public Library

Northampton Area Public Library 610-262-7537

Mount Bethel Township was established in 1748. It included the present-day Townships of Upper Mount Bethel, Lower Mount Bethel and Washington. Development at that time was concentrated in the areas near Martins Creek and Richmond.

In 1787 Mount Bethel was divided into two parts – Lower Mount Bethel and Upper Mount Bethel. At that time, the area of Lower Mount Bethel included present-day Washington Township.

Between 1850 and 1890, the population of the Township grew very slowly and farming activities were dominant. However, near the end of the century the cement industry began to develop and had an effect on Township life.

The first cement production began in 1830, but it was much later that cement became an import industry. The great cement era began in the 1890s as a result of the use of the rotary kiln processing techniques and a greater national demand for this building material. Cement production was confined to a ”Cement Belt” several miles wide extending from Belvidere, NJ to Ormrod in Lehigh County. Lower Mount Bethel was part of this “Cement Belt.”

Except for a very few industries, the disappearance of cement has meant a return to a rural economy for the Township. A large number of the residents are employed in non-agricultural jobs, but most of these work outside of the Township.

There has been little urbanization or suburban development in the Township. Recent development in the Township has largely been concentrated along the major highways and along the Delaware River. Housing developments along the river have primarily been in the form of summer cottages. In this respect, the Township has become a vacation retreat for urbanities; and future regional developments, such as Tocks Island, indicate this trend will continue. With carefully planning the pleasant rural character of the area can be preserved.

School District

Easton Area School District 610-250-2400; Bangor Area School District 610-588-2163

Public Library

Easton Area Public Library 610-258-2917; Bangor Area Public Library 610-588-4136

Lower Nazareth Township is a great place to live, work, and play. Gently nestled in rich Eastern Pennsylvania farmland, it was originally part of the "Walking Purchase" of 1737. Purchased from William Penn, this area was originally known as "The Drylands."

This 8,300-acre section was once thought to be doomed and was termed, "Barren." There was very little forest land as the Indians had burned all of the vegetation to drive the game into the open to hunt. This "Barren" appearance of the area gave rise to the popular superstition that no crops could be grown in this region as it was too "dry." Early residents held a rich religious heritage and named Lower Nazareth Township after the biblical town of Nazareth. In 1740 it was written, "The surface of the township is level; the soil limestone, and well improved by judicious

course of crops, and careful culture, and very productive.” In 1807, Lower Nazareth was ¬created. Lower Nazareth has experienced slow, controlled growth and established itself as a community for the 21st century.

School District

Nazareth Area School District 610-759-1170

Public Library

Memorial Library of Nazareth 610-759-4932

Lower Saucon Township, incorporated in 1743, is approximately 25 square miles in size and has a population of approximately 10,000 residents. Colonists from Germany and Switzerland originally settled in the scenic Saucon Valley along the banks of the Saucon Creek, around 1730. The Lenni-Lenape Indians who lived in the region called this tributary of the Lehigh River the “Sakunk”, meaning place of outlet where a small stream empties into a larger one.

The Saucon Creek corridor constituted a prominent milling area in southern Northampton County during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Remnants of Lower Saucon Township’s historic heritage can be found throughout the Township by visiting the Lutz-Franklin Schoolhouse, the Michael Heller Homestead, and the Ehrhart’s Mill Historic District, which features the Old Mill Bridge.

School District

Saucon Valley School District 610-838-7028

Public Library

Hellertown Are Library 610-838-8381

​Moore Township was formed in 1765 and named after John Moore, a representative of the Provincial Assembly from 1761-1762. Moore Township is a large, rural community containing 38 square miles in North-Central Northampton County, PA. The township entirely surrounds the small Borough of Chapman Quarries. Two larger Boroughs, Bath and Nazareth are located to the South and Southeast. The township has 6 different mailing addresses due to its large size; they include Bath, Nazareth, North-ampton, Danielsville, Walnutport and Wind Gap. The Moore Township Police Department and Klecknersville Rangers Volunteer Fire Company provide 24-hour emergency services to the township.

Moore Township is very rural and contains beautiful picturesque farmlands, woodlands and mountains. Framed to the North by the Blue Mountain, the township has the famous Appalachian Trail, which also runs through the township.

Agriculture and single-family residences, along with open space is the largest feature that can be seen within the township. Despite the coming of the Industrial Age, Moore Township has remained largely rural in character. In a series of meetings and questionnaires over the years, township residents said they value the physical beauty of the township, the openness of land and the wildlife and plant life around them. Thus, in planning for the future they recognize the need to remember and preserve elements of our past.

School District

Northampton Area School District 610-262-7811

Public Library

Northampton Area Public Library 610-262-7537