Easton City Guide

In 1736, Thomas Penn, son of William Penn, and Benjamin Eastburn, surveyor general, selected and surveyed the "thousand acre tract" of land at the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers. William Parsons and Nicholas Scull began their survey for a town in the 1750s at a spot called by the Indians "Lechanwitauk" or "the Place at the Forks."

The new town was to be called "Easton" in the new county of "Northampton." Traveler's landmark is the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in the Square, which is the heart of the business district. Here, in the center of "the Great Square" as the Penns name it, stood Northampton County's first courthouse, built in 1765. A bronze marker shows a replica of the Old Court House which stood until 1862. From the steps of the Old Court House, the Declaration of Independence was read on July 8, 1776. When the courthouse was removed, the town's market house was done away with as well, and the farmers set up their stalls on the square.

All that history has led to an exciting present. Easton has a number of attractions to delight every member of the family, highlighted by The Crayola FACTORY® at Two Rivers Landing. Also at Two Rivers Landing, and located just down the street from an authentic mule-drawn canal ride, is the historic National Canal Museum. During your visit you can also check out a world-class show at the State Theatre, explore the human body at the Weller Health Education Center or delight in one of many fairs and festivals held year-round.

The Lehigh Valley is located in eastern Pennsylvania within 90 miles of both New York City and Philadelphia. Composed of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and the surrounding areas, the region boasts more than 350 years of history, attractions, spectacular special events, delectable eateries, shopping opportunities and more. When visiting the Lehigh Valley you won’t want to miss: Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, The Crayola FACTORY® at Two Rivers Landing, Holidays in Bethlehem, America’s largest music festival - Musikfest, the Game Preserve, caves, Nazareth Speedway, professional cycling, whitewater rafting, hiking, biking and anything else you desire.