Visiting Allentown
Allentown Borough is a historic village located in central New Jersey between New York City and Philadelphia. Founded in 1706, the settlement developed along the Doctor's Creek and the Indian Run Creek waterways, its mills and the York Road - one of the earliest and most important roads in New Jersey. Transversing the narrow waist of the state, this road served as part of the major supply line for the Continental army during the Revolutionary War. There were 6 encampments and several skirmishes during the war here and the armies fought three major battles each within an approximately 15-mile radius of Allen's Town. Allentown is among the most thoroughly documented historic sites in the state of New Jersey.
As the farms in the area grew, so did the need for blacksmith shops, wheelwrights, carriage makers, chair makers, and tailors. By the end of the 18th century, more than 24 commercial enterprises existed within the village serving the farms and travelers along the York Road. There are currently 220 sites in Allentown within the State and National Historic District which comprises nearly the entire visual corridor of a drive through the village. Conine's Millpond is now a National Wildlife Refuge. In the downtown area are the mill, the mill house, two colonial-era taverns and the John Imlay House – possibly the finest example of Country Georgian architecture on the East Coast. There is an exceptionally wide variety of architectural styles in the village.
Allentown has produced from its residents, six United States Congressmen, William Newell,- a New Jersey Governor and Governor of the Washington Territory, and David Brearly - a signer of the United States Constitution. By tradition, Molly Pitcher hailed from the Allentown area. Allentown was also located on the Underground Railroad that provided safe haven to escaped slaves heading north from the Philadelphia area.
The Historic Village of Allentown, New Jersey is centrally located and easily accessible from Interstate 195 and exit 7A off the New Jersey Turnpike.
Allentown Business Community Association website - find information on Allentown businesses and events
Allentown Borough website - find information on borough meetings, elected officials, and general information
As the farms in the area grew, so did the need for blacksmith shops, wheelwrights, carriage makers, chair makers, and tailors. By the end of the 18th century, more than 24 commercial enterprises existed within the village serving the farms and travelers along the York Road. There are currently 220 sites in Allentown within the State and National Historic District which comprises nearly the entire visual corridor of a drive through the village. Conine's Millpond is now a National Wildlife Refuge. In the downtown area are the mill, the mill house, two colonial-era taverns and the John Imlay House – possibly the finest example of Country Georgian architecture on the East Coast. There is an exceptionally wide variety of architectural styles in the village.
Allentown has produced from its residents, six United States Congressmen, William Newell,- a New Jersey Governor and Governor of the Washington Territory, and David Brearly - a signer of the United States Constitution. By tradition, Molly Pitcher hailed from the Allentown area. Allentown was also located on the Underground Railroad that provided safe haven to escaped slaves heading north from the Philadelphia area.
The Historic Village of Allentown, New Jersey is centrally located and easily accessible from Interstate 195 and exit 7A off the New Jersey Turnpike.
Allentown Business Community Association website - find information on Allentown businesses and events
Allentown Borough website - find information on borough meetings, elected officials, and general information