Easton, Pennsylvania

November 7-12, 2019

Downtown Easton lies at the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers. It was originally settled by the Lenape Indians. The future city of Easton was a result of the “Walking Purchase” agreement of 1737 between the Penn family and the Lenape Indians. The European settlers came in 1739. And the city was founded in 1752.

During the French and Indian Wars (1756-1763), the Treaty of Easton of 1758 was signed between the British Colonials and the chiefs of 13 Native American Nations. This turned the tide and led to the Treaty of Paris in 1763 where-by the French gave up all their territory in mainland North America and effectively ended any foreign military threat to the British colonies.

During the Revolutionary War, Easton became an important military center and was also the site of an important military hospital. On July 8, 1776 Easton was one of only three cities where the Declaration of Independence was publicly read (the other two were Philadelphia and Trenton) and to this day, Eastonians celebrate Heritage Day with parades and fireworks.

Because of its location at the joining of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers, Easton became a major commercial center during the canal and railroad periods of the 19^th century by connecting the coal, iron and steel industries. Silk mills flourished in the Lehigh Valley and between 1818 and 1989 there were as many as 224 mills operating in the area. Dixie Cup Corporation was headquartered here. Crayola crayons are made here.

Today, Easton appears to be a vibrant and lively city. Lafayette College on College Hill, the Crayola Factory Experience on Center Square, The National Canal Museum, the Simon Silk Mill Complex (known as SILK) and the Karl Stirner Arts Trail (KSAT)—they all provide entertainment and educational experiences. The many restaurants, pubs, and breweries are fun, too! I’ll tell you more in later posts!