Lehigh Valley’s Historic George Taylor Trail

Explore local sites from George Taylor's life

It is generally agreed that in his early 20s, George Taylor emigrated from Ireland to Pennsylvania, eventually becoming one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.

A skilled ironmaster, Taylor's legacy is deeply intertwined with Lehigh Valley history. Recognizing his significance, The Friends of Historic Easton Cemetery compiled a list of representatives from local historic sites associated with his life to develop The George Taylor Trail.

George Taylor Trail Map What You'll Find On The Trail Self-Guided Tour Booklet Videos

The trail invites visitors to explore key locations throughout Lehigh Valley that trace George Taylor's life—from the homes and businesses where he lived and worked to his final resting place at The Historic Easton Cemetery. A series of four videos highlighting his life was made through a 2024 Northampton County Hotel Tax Program grant.

Here's What You'll Find On The Trail

1753 Bachmann Publick House/NCHGS

342 Northampton Street Easton, PA 18042

Built in 1753 by Jacob Bachmann and his wife, this stone tavern served as a courthouse and gathering place for locals and travelers alike. George Taylor purchased the Bachmann Publick House in 1761 and added an extension to the original structure a few years later. Taylor owned the house for 18 years until 1779 when he sold it to Theophilus Shannon, who had been hired by Taylor to run the business.

First United Church of Christ

27 N 3rd St, Easton, PA 18042

In 1777, Congress appointed George Taylor and Commissioner George Walton to meet with leaders from the Six Nations of the Iroquois, fearing that Britain might attempt to form alliances with the tribes. To foster goodwill, Taylor and Walton were provided with funds to purchase gifts for the Native Americans, which were warmly received. The meetings were held from January 29 to 31, 1777, in the newly constructed church, chosen for its size as the largest building in Easton at the time.

George Taylor House - Catasauqua

35 South Front Street Catasauqua, PA 18032

This historic house was built for George Taylor in 1768 by the Carpenter’s Company of Philadelphia. It is the only home he commissioned and built, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971. This Georgian mansion was intended as a residence for his beloved wife, but sadly she died soon after the house was completed. Taylor lived there for six years until he returned to Durham to operate the ironworks.

Marx Local History Room - Easton Public Library

515 Church Street Easton, PA 18042

Trailgoers can utilize this space to research George Taylor and his life in the Lehigh Valley area, as well as learn more about local history. A portrait of Taylor hangs in the room, but no one is sure if this image is the correct one. The photo is a copy of the portrait that years earlier was given to Independence Hall in Philadelphia. You can also see The Easton Flag which was on display on July 8, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was read in Easton.

Durham Historical Society

215 Old Furnace Road, Durham Township, PA 18039

George Taylor worked as an ironmaster at the Durham Furnace, the remains of which can be found at this location. During his two times there, in the late 1750s and 1770s, he oversaw the manufacturing of shot for both the French and Indian Wars and the Revolutionary War. In addition, Franklin-type stoves, Hollow Ware, and other everyday items were produced. In 1776, while living in Durham, Taylorm traveled to Philadelphia to affix his signature to the Declaration of Independence. The site of the old Durham furnace is identified by a historical marker, located at the intersection of PA State Route 212 and Durham Road. Click here for more information or to visit.

Historic Easton Cemetery

401 North Seventh Street Easton, PA 18042

Nestled within its expansive 86 acres of green space, this National Register of Historic Places site includes a monument dedicated to George Taylor. Over twenty feet tall, this memorial was erected in 1855 and is considered to be the first publicly funded monument honoring a signer of the Declaration of Independence. His remains were moved from St. John's Cemetery to the Historic Easton Cemetery in 1870, where they continue to rest today.

Northampton County Archives Building

999 Conroy Place Easton, PA 18040

Those interested in seeing the legal records and papers such as a copy of his will and other documents of George Taylor’s, can do so at the Archives. Reading the list of his possessions as described in his will is a lesson in history all by itself. If you are doing serious research there are also documents and maps dating back hundreds of years. There is no fee for researching records during an in-person visit. Hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and the trained staff can help you find any needed information.

Parsons-Taylor House

60 South Fourth Street Easton, PA 18042

The structure was built in 1757 by Surveyor-General William Parsons, who laid out the city of Easton. Later, the home was rented out by George Taylor from 1779 until he died in one of the upstairs bedrooms on February 23, 1781. The George Taylor Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution has continued to own, maintain, and operate the home since 1906.

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church

330 Ferry Street Easton, PA 18042

In 1831 the Lutherans began building the church you see today. At the time on their property was also a cemetery that they had established around 1763 and the “new church” covered a portion of that land. Those graves remain in the church basement today. Taylor lived across the street when he died and was buried in that cemetery in 1781. Years later in 1870, the cemetery portion of the property was sold to the Easton school system, and the bodies were moved to Easton Cemetery. His remains were reinterred in front of his monument.

Self-Guided Tour Booklet

Don’t forget to reference the self-guided tour booklet during your tour! It’s your key to unlocking the history behind each stop along the way. Inside, you’ll find detailed insights into the historical significance of each location, plus fun facts and mysteries you won’t want to miss.

Screenshot of the front page of the self-guided George Taylor Trail PDF

Videos


George Taylor's Early Years:
Revolutionary War Involvement:
George Taylor's Later Life:
Burial and Monument:
Guided Tours in Lehigh Valley
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