The quiet and peaceful city of
Bethlehem, PA, located in the eastern part of the state, sits along the banks of the Lehigh River. Its neighborhoods are beautiful and varied, with plenty of amazing sights and treasured buildings that sit on the National Register of Historic Places. The town has a storied history steeped in American industry and ingenuity. However, many people do not realize how much history is held in the town. In fact, many residents aren’t even aware of just how colorful and rich its history really is.
You may live in the Lehigh Valley and have a general idea, but did you know that the historic city of Bethlehem played a part in the American Revolution? Or that it was home to one of the most important industrial inventions in modern history? This charming city of 80,000 is a living, breathing hub of important American history, industrial milestones, and early community-building. You’d be surprised at some of the fun facts we at Raceway Chevy have uncovered about this amazing city; let's take a look!
#1 Bethlehem is Known as “Christmas City”
Why is the town known for Christmas? It’s simple! Bethlehem was given its name on Christmas Eve. Since then, the city has always been synonymous with Christmas! Bethlehem hosts a
Christkindlmarkt Festival at SteelStacks, which is at 101 Founders Way, every year, bringing seasonal food, hundreds of vendors selling Christmas crafts and treasures, and all things Christmas to the city.
There are even ice carving and glassblowing demonstrations. In fact, Travel + Leisure Magazine has twice named Christkindlmarkt, one of the best holiday markets. There is live holiday music and, of course, Ole’ Saint Nick himself makes an appearance. It’s a must-see annual event that celebrates the most wonderful time of year in a city that was named for it.
#2 Bethlehem Was Named in 1741
The city was founded and named in 1741, but for what purpose? Count Zinzendorf was a German Moravian Missionary intent on finding a place to settle in the colony of Pennsylvania. This group of missionaries began building their historic city on 500 acres along the Lehigh River in order to settle permanently and preach to local Native American tribes. History has been preserved so carefully over the years that the second structure ever built still stands at 66 West Church Street. It is now known as the 1741 Gemeinhaus and currently houses the
Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, which is a place you should consider visiting.
#3 Bethlehem Was Settled by Missionaries
Bethlehem is steeped in Moravian tradition. This group of missionaries originated in Germany, and in fact, German was the primary language spoken in Bethlehem. However, the community attracted missionaries from all over Europe, and at one time, over 15 languages were spoken here.
Bethlehem became the North American hub for the Moravians, and it was from this central place that missionaries were sent to colonies across the newly forming country. Moravians were pacifists and believed in a self-sufficient, communal way of life that supported its members from birth until death. While Moravians focused on their way of life, they also tangled with local unrest, and the city was host to many important events during wartime in the early days of the settlers. And in modern-day Bethlehem, you can get a glimpse of how they lived by taking a simple stroll through the
Historic Moravian Bethlehem, a district located on Church Street, Market Street, and Main Street.
#4 Bethlehem Played a Part in the American Revolution
While Moravians were indeed pacifists, they played an essential role during the American Revolution, providing hides and other supplies to the cause and even sheltering soldiers during wartime. Several British soldiers were imprisoned within the city limits during the war as well. In fact, George Washington ordered his medical officers to command a large building in Bethlehem, which they converted into an ad hoc military hospital for wounded soldiers.
The building still stands today and can be visited on the campus of
Moravian College at 1200 Main Street. It is believed that nearly 500 Continental Army soldiers are buried within the Bethlehem city limits. Archaeologists have successfully uncovered the remains of a few soldiers, and they continue their work today to protect the ground that is thought to be a burial site for these fallen early American heroes. As mentioned, the history in this little city is rich.
#5 Bethlehem Was a Steel Town
Beginning in 1857, Bethlehem began to emerge as an upstart steel manufacturing city. Steel production would soon become the cornerstone of its economy, but the effort began slowly with the formation of the Bethlehem Iron Company. Bethlehem Iron Company was formed in 1904 and, in fact, lasted through to 2003 when it ultimately went bankrupt.
Eventually, the company became Bethlehem Steel Corporation, then Bethlehem Steel Company. Interestingly, this company was run by Charles M. Schwab, a prominent businessman, and financier. Under his leadership, Bethlehem Steel became the second-largest steelmaker in the country. In addition to steel, the city housed tanneries, blacksmiths, and other forms of industry. The industries were booming in Bethlehem back in the day, and you can learn more about them by taking a visit to the
National Museum of Industrial History at 602 E 2nd Street.
#6 Bethlehem Was the Site of the First-Ever Waterworks Structure
A man by the name of Hans Christoph Christensen designed and built the very first structure that could move water and create a continuous water source for a community. His first attempt was rife with challenges and setbacks, but eventually, in 1762, he built a
limestone Waterworks that stands to this day in the heart of Bethlehem, right on Main Street.
The waterworks structure was critical to society evolving in the city limits. The convenience of readily available water affected every part of the community, from quality of life to the way the steel making business grew and expanded. The waterworks’ pump-based system was the first of its kind in the United States, making Bethlehem an even more important part of the country's history.
Visiting Bethlehem
A visit to Bethlehem is like stepping back in time. The city has lovingly preserved its historical treasures so visitors and residents alike can enjoy them and learn about important historical events that happened as long as two centuries ago. A stroll down Main Street in Bethlehem’s Historic District puts you in one of only eight National Historic Landmark Districts in Pennsylvania. Centered along the Monocacy Creek, you’ll discover many things to do, places to see, and history to learn.
The city of Bethlehem is located less than two hours west of New York City, yet transports visitors to a time and place that feels so much farther away from today’s busy world. It’s a place where visitors can immerse themselves in history and a different way of life and appreciate the ingenuity and hard work that contributed to developing systems and infrastructure that would bring the country into the modern age. Even just walking around Bethlehem is extremely special; we recommend taking a visit.
