Allentown in the Lehigh Valley was named after its founder William Allen. His son, James Allen, built Trout Hall that stands as the site of the county’s historical museum. Its baseball team is called the Iron Pigs, named after the city’s early steel industry that began in the 1850s, the forge is a national historic site and free to visit.
The city’s industry was powered by coal coming from nearby mines, such as the Lackawanna Coal Mine. Generations of miners from the 1820s to the 1980s suffered black lung where coal dust damaged lung tissue over decades, a few drowned or got buried underground, and many were injured by workplace hazards. Most of those who suffered were poor immigrants coming to America with promises of riches only to find themselves slaving away underground. The mules were often treated better than child labourers.
I found it strange to place the county courthouse inside the arts district and opposite the art museum. I also found it strange that some of the city’s museums don’t open until 11 am or don’t open at all on weekends. Looks like they’re not going after tourist dollars.
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