Allentown, Pennsylvania, the third largest city in Pennsylvania and largest city in the Lehigh Valley region of the state, was established in 1762.
Allentown is one of the oldest major cities in the United States with deep roots in the nation's history. The city was the hiding place of the Liberty Bell for nine months during the American Revolutionary War, and the city's oldest cemetery includes the gravesites of American patriots who served in the Continental Army, Union Army, and later wars.
The following 18 places in Allentown have been named to National Register of Historic Places:
Locations
National Register of Historic Places
Albertus L. Meyers Bridge (1913) Added 1988 - NRHP #88000870 Corner of 8th and Union Streets Map location: Large concrete multi-arch bridge first opened as a toll bridge in November 1913 by the Lehigh Valley Transit Company as a streetcar and inter-urban trolley bridge. Construction began in 1911, and when opened, it was the longest and highest reinforced concrete arch bridge in the world. Automobile traffic was charged a toll to cross the bridge until the mid 1950s. Commonly called the 8th Street Bridge, its current name honors the long-time Allentown Band director, Albertus ("Bert") L. Meyers, who played in the band at the bridge's opening.
Allentown Masonic Temple (1925) Added 2004, NRHP: #04000402 1524 West Linden Street Map location: Historic Masonic Temple built between 1923 and 1925. Built in Neoclassical style, it features elaborate stone and terra cotta trim and four large and imposing fluted composite columns at its main entrance.
Allentown National Bank (1905) Also known as: Meridian Bank Added 2005 - NRHP: #05001490 13–17 North Seventh Street Map location: Historic bank building built in 1905, it is a large eight-story, steel frame and masonry-clad building in the Beaux-Arts style. The bank was first chartered in 1855 by the Commonwealth as the Allentown Bank with a capitalization of $100,000. It was the first bank in Allentown, and was renamed Allentown National Bank in 1866 when it received its federal charter. The building was vacated in the 1990s; however, in the early 2000s, it was re-developed into apartments for independent living senior citizens.
Americus Hotel (1926) Added 1984 - NRHP: #84003454 541 West Hamilton Street Map location: Classic 1920s Jazz Age hotel built by a group of Allentown businessmen who wanted a first-class hotel in the central business district. It was not to be a palatial private "pleasure dome" like those of the 19th-century robber barons. Rather, it would be a hotel, a public facility that provided the best that world-class service and up-to-date technology could offer. A world class buffet was featured in its restaurant which was considered a must do for Mother's Day and other special occasions.
Bogert Covered Bridge (1841) Added 1980 - NRHP: #80003552 S of Allentown on LR 39016, Little Lehigh Park, Allentown Map location: Historic wooden covered bridge located at Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It is a , Burr Truss bridge, constructed in 1841. It has vertical plank siding and a gable roof. It was restored by the Allentown Parks Department.
Dime Savings and Trust Company (1925) Also known as First Valley Bank Added 1985 - NRHP: #85000036 12 North 7th Street Map location: Historic bank building built in 1925, and is a "T"-shaped, five-story red brick building. The base is sheathed in limestone, and the distinctive brick and limestone attic level is reflective of the Art Deco style. The Dime Bank failed in 1932 and over the years the building has been largely vacant. The building was re-constructed and restored as part of the PPL Center project, and was incorporated into the project. The Dime Bank Building is used as the lobby for the 200-room Marriott Renaissance Hotel that is attached to the arena. Its two-story foyer, once the main banking area, houses the front desk and upper floors and includes offices and meeting space for the arena operators.