Lehighton
The look and character of this riverfront town reflect its German ancestry. This small town began when the Moravian Brethren Society started converting the local Delaware Indians to Christianity. In 1746, the Moravians organized a mission in what is now Lehighton, and named it Gnaden Huetten (meaning “tents of grace”). As the settlement grew, missionaries established another village along the east side of the river and named it New Gnaden Huetten (today’s Weissport).
The Delaware Indians and Moravians lived peacefully in these settlements. However, in 1755, the mission was attacked, 10 people were killed, one was captured, and all buildings burned to the ground. New Gnaden Huetten settlers, warned of the attack, were able to escape to Bethlehem.
Following the massacre, many forts were built along Blue Mountain, the most important being Fort Allen in present day Weissport. It was constructed by Benjamin Franklin and his men. It wasn’t until after the Revolutionary War that settlers felt safe from Indian attacks.
In 1794, war veteran Jacob Weiss and gunmaker William Henry II owned most of the land on which Lehighton rests today. The settlement that arose, named after the Lehigh River, became a popular rest stop for those traveling along the road from Berwick to Easton.
Still, it wasn’t until the Lehigh Canal was completed in 1829 that Lehighton began to grow and thrive. The building of the Lehigh Valley Railroad helped increase population. The Borough was incorporated in 1866.
Things to see and do in Lehighton
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Located in Carbon County, the 2,972-acre Beltzville State Park is developed around the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control project, Beltzville Dam. The park is along the Pohopoco Creek with recreation areas around the lake.
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This family vineyard is located in Kresgeville, Pennsylvania on the southern face of the Pocono escarpment in the valley of Big Creek.
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A one-day motorcycle event and street fair with food, entertainment and games.
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Lehighton was named after the Lehigh River, which derived from the Indian word "Lecla" or left fork of the river.
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Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor - Market Towns Initiative
The Corridor Market Towns Initiative is a cooperative pilot project of the Delaware & Lehigh National and State Heritage Corridor and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. By blending conservation and economic development strategies, the Market Towns Initiative is helping breathe new economic life into the Corridor's small towns through place-based heritage development strategies.
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At Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, we’re committed to handcrafting affordable and award-winning Pennsylvania wines - wines designed to be appreciated by novice and connoisseur alike.
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The Moravian mission of this name was built in 1746 to accommodate the growing number of Mohican and Delaware Indian converts. It was the first white settlement in present-day Carbon County.
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Beautiful log lodge overlooking Beltzvile Lake & State Park. Six guest rooms with private baths and fireplaces. Open weekends year-round.
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The Phifer Ice Dam Park is Franklin Township's community park and the site of the Daniel Lesher Pavilion, Getz Memorial Band Shell and the Franklin Kids' Creation Playground.
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Sweet Reflections Bed & Breakfast
Built before the Civil War in 1857, this country style brick home was originally part of a large Mahoning Valley farm in Pennsylvania. Come walk in the garden, sit by the pond and just relax!
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Nestled in the Pocono mountains of Pennsylvania, the Ukrainian Homestead offers visitors a wide range of activities in a beautiful country setting. Founded in 1957 by ODWU, the Homestead is dedicated to the celebration of Ukrainian heritage and culture.
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Whispering Waters Bed & Breakfast & Suites
This circa 1860 Country Victorian Home and historic trout hatchery is nestled on more than 15 acres.
