Lehigh Canal; Allentown to Hopeville Section

Running about 11 miles beside the Lehigh River through Lehigh and Northampton Counties, this section of canal includes five locks, a guard lift lock, a dam at Hamilton Street in Allentown, and an aqueduct over Monocacy Creek in Bethlehem. Construction began in 1819, and through navigation opened in 1829 as each section was completed. Built to move anthracite coal from the mines of Carbon County toward Easton and Philadelphia, the canal carried coal, slate, flagstone, timber and farm products on boats drawn by mules. Its importance lies in its effect on the surrounding valley. Allentown's population grew rapidly during the canal years, and iron production, heavy industry and urban growth followed the cheap transport of coal and the availability of water power. Iron shipments rose from 303 tons in 1830 to 6,638 tons in 1839, the canal's peak year. Of the canal's surviving stretches, this one is regarded as among the best preserved.