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1964 Map of Allentown East

Name: 1964 Topographic Map of Allentown East
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1979
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1979

About this map

The industrial corridor of the Lehigh River anchors this mid-century survey, showcasing the dense rail and waterway infrastructure that powered eastern Pennsylvania. Massive transport networks like the Reading RR and Central RR of New Jersey crisscross the landscape, paralleling the Lehigh Canal (Abandoned) which once served as the region's primary artery. The map captures the urban expansion of Allentown and Bethlehem, revealing established institutions such as the Allentown State Hospital and St Francis de Sales College.

Away from the city centers, the terrain transitions into the limestone-rich valleys of Salisbury and Upper Saucon, where numerous quarries dot the hillsides near Friedensville. Local history is preserved in the numerous named burial grounds, including Nisky Hill Cem and Highland Cem, alongside the residential growth of postwar communities like Summit Lawn and University Heights. This era represents a peak moment for the Lehigh Valley’s manufacturing and logistical footprint.