Lehigh County

Lehigh County is an administrative unit in eastern Pennsylvania between two mountain ranges, with Allentown serving as the seat of county government. The area covers about 900 square kilometers (348 square miles) with valleys, wooded hills and smaller towns along the river.

The administrative unit was formed in 1812 from the eastern part of a larger territory when the region was still largely agricultural. Construction of a canal in the 1820s brought industry and fundamentally changed the economy.

The name comes from the river that runs through the area and has shaped settlement for centuries. Visitors today find architecture and traditions in many communities that reflect German immigration roots.

The area is reachable via several main roads and rail connections linking the larger towns. Visitors find numerous parks, historic sites and smaller communities throughout the region to explore.

Along the old canal towpath run walking and cycling trails today that trace the former transport route. At some points, locks and canal sections remain, offering insight into early engineering work.

Location: Pennsylvania

Inception: March 6, 1812

Capital city: Allentown

Shares border with: Schuylkill County, Carbon County, Northampton County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Berks County

Website: http://lehighcounty.org

GPS coordinates: 40.61000,-75.59000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:24