Catasauqua Main Street
Overview
When the 20th century started, Catasauqua was one of the most prosperous towns in the United States. The anthracite iron industry triggered a wave of industrial innovation that made Catasauqua famous and many Catasauquans rich.
By 1900 Catasauqua had more than 5,000 inhabitants and a higher percentage of them were self-made millionaires - than anywhere else in the nation. Interest in establishing industry along the Lehigh Canal and Towpath that burned anthracite coal brought David Thomas from Wales in 1838.
On July 4, 1840, Crane Iron Works became the first commercially successful anthracite iron furnace in America, signaling the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in America. From Crane's success, industry thrived in Catasauqua.
Today the legacy of Catasauqua’s illustrious past can be seen in the elegant mansions once owned by the leaders of industry in the iron, silk, brewing, and cement industries, as well as shop owners.
Download the Catasauqua Fire Hydrants & Historic Landmarks Brochure.
Points of Interest
- Tour the George Taylor House built in 1768 by George Taylor, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
- Tour the Biery House Museum and Art Gallery, both open May to October, the 1st and 3rd Sundays and from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Take a walking tour of Catasauqua's two national historic districts; the Biery's Port District and the Mansion District, and enjoy the magnificent architecture. Brochures can be obtained at the Biery House, 8 Race Street, or Catasauqua Borough Hall, 118 Bridge Street.
- The five state historical markers throughout town provide a brief story of Catasauqua’s history.
- Walk the Lehigh Canal and Towpath.
- Shop and eat in historic downtown.
- Visit the Catasauqua Playground and Pool.
- Play golf at Willowbrook Golf Course.
Special Events
- Lehigh River Blues Jam
- Fest 'O Fall, Red, White and George Wine Tasting at the George Taylor Homestead
- Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association house tour