Easton, city (2020 pop. 27,087), 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 © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: U.S. Political Geography
