The Walking Purchase: A Legacy of Deceit
The Walking Purchase of 1737 is a notorious event where deceit cost the Lenape (Delaware) people vast tracts of their ancestral lands, including areas now in Lehigh County. While William Penn, Pennsylvania’s founder, initially honored Indigenous land rights by purchasing territory, this changed with his successors, particularly his son Thomas Penn. A questionable document, presented […]
Step Back in Time and Soak in the Charm: Discover the Magic of Historic Bethlehem
Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, the city of Bethlehem is a destination that effortlessly blends rich history with vibrant modern life. Recently honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (officially recognized on October 17, 2024), and boasting the title of having the Number One Downtown and Main Street in America for 2025 […]
Ride the Rails of History: The Wild Story of the Mauch Chunk Switchback Railroad
Before modern roller coasters, there was gravity. And in the mountains just upriver from Bethlehem, a coal-hauling railway turned thrill ride became one of America’s first gravity-powered attractions. Welcome to the incredible tale of the Mauch Chunk Switchback Railroad—part industrial innovation, part adrenaline rush, and 100% unforgettable. From Coal Cars to Crowds It all started […]
Did This PA Mansion Inspire Disney’s Haunted House?
As you explore Bethlehem and the Lehigh River’s rich history and scenic beauty, you’ll find plenty of stories hidden in nearby towns. One of the most intriguing? A rumor connects a grand old mansion in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, to one of Disney’s most iconic attractions. The Mansion on the Hill Jim Thorpe is home to […]
