Did you know Allentown is the 3rd largest city in the state of Pennsylvania behind only Philadelphia and Pittsburgh? That means it is even bigger than the state capitol of Harrisburg! It doesn’t really have the big city feel, so how did Allentown become what it is today?

Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen, the former mayor of Philadelphia. Allen was a wealthy man who earned his fortune as a shipping merchant, as well as a popular city figure as the Chief Justice of the Province of Pennsylvania. In 2012, Allentown celebrated its 250th anniversary, making it one of the oldest cities in all of the United States!

There is no question that one of the most unique parts of Allentown is the Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell brings hundreds-of-thousands of tourists to Allentown each year, as they all want to see one of the most significant monuments in the United States. The Liberty Bell was hidden from the British during the Revolutionary War, and it’s remained at the Liberty Bell Museum since. This Liberty Bell, though not as famous as the one that remains in Philadelphia, is a huge tourist attraction in Allentown.

Allentown’s economy has thrived over the years thanks to an emphasis on silk and textiles. The Adelaide Silk Mill opened in Allentown in 1881 and, at the time, was one of the largest textile mills in the world. Today, Allentown specializes as a business incubator that looks to interest young and up-and-coming businesses.

Thanks to its historic background, Allentown has been referred to in a variety of pop culture references. Allentown has been mentioned in movies such as The Hangover Part II, The Wrestler, and I Love You To Death. It’s also been the basis of songs, “Allentown” by Billy Joel and “The Train” by Frank Sinatra. Allentown has also been referenced in television shows, comic books, Broadway plays, and much more.

Allentown is also the hometown of a many different notable people. Some of the most popular former residents of Allentown include former NFL wide receivers Ed McCaffrey and Andre Reed, composer and music publisher Howard J. Buss, actress Amanda Seyfried, and author Lauren Weisberger.

For those that are interested in arts and entertainment, there are a plethora of different options in Allentown. Rich in history and culture, you’ll never be short of the choices you’ll find. In Allentown, you can find the Miller Symphony Hall, the Allentown Art Museum, the Nineteenth Street Theater, and more. In addition, Allentown is home of the Allentown Band, which is the oldest civilian band in the United States.

Whether you are looking for history, culture, entertainment, or first-rate educational opportunities, Allentown has plenty to offer. This historic city is one of the most popular locations in all of Philadelphia, making it an ideal place to call home. And since the city continues to draw in new residents, it’s surely only going to keep growing in the future as well.