Easton

Easton, city (1990 pop. 26,276), seat of Northampton co., E. Pa., at the junction of the Delaware and Lehigh rivers; founded 1751 by Thomas Penn, inc. as a city 1886. Easton is part (with Allentown and Bethlehem) of the industrial Lehigh Valley, but after losing much of its commercial importance to suburban malls it has been transformed into an arts, design, and tourist center. The scene of peace conferences between whites and natives in 1756 and 1761, Easton is the seat of Lafayette College (1826). The First United Church of Christ (1776) and the restored house (1757) of George Taylor, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, are among historic sites. A museum and park commemorate the former importance of the Lehigh Canal, and the interactive museum of the Crayola company draws visitors.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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