Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem is a city in Northampton and Lehigh counties in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, United States. It is the second-largest city in the Lehigh Valley after Allentown and the seventh-largest city in the state.

The city is located along the Lehigh River, a tributary of the Delaware River. Bethlehem lies in the center of the Lehigh Valley, a big area with over 860,000 people. The city borders Allentown and is halfway between Philadelphia and New York City.

Bethlehem is famous for its Christmas traditions. It was named Bethlehem on Christmas Eve in 1741 by a Moravian bishop. In 1747, it became the first city in the United States to put up a decorated Christmas tree. In 1937, the city officially adopted the nickname Christmas City USA.

History

Settlement

Before European settlers arrived, the land around Bethlehem was home to many indigenous people, including the Algonquian-speaking Lenape. They lived along the Delaware River and its tributaries in eastern Pennsylvania. The Lenape traded with Dutch and British settlers in areas such as Connecticut, Delaware, Long Island, Maryland, New Jersey, and the Hudson Valley in New York.

18th century

More information: Central Bethlehem Historic District and Pennsylvania in the American Revolution

In 1741, William Allen, a wealthy merchant from Philadelphia, gave 500 acres of land along the Monocacy Creek and Lehigh River to the Moravian Church. On Christmas Eve that year, David Nitschmann and Nicolaus Zinzendorf, leading Moravians, founded the mission community of Bethlehem where the two rivers meet. They named it after the biblical town of Bethlehem in Judea, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus.

Bethlehem began as a community where the church owned all the land. In the late 1700s, mills were built, and important historic buildings were constructed. During the American Revolutionary War, many people fled from Philadelphia to Bethlehem when British soldiers moved into the area. Famous leaders like George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette visited Bethlehem during this time.

19th century

More information: Pennsylvania in the American Civil War

See also: Central Bethlehem Historic District and South Bethlehem Downtown Historic District

In 1845, Bethlehem became an official village and later a borough in Northampton County. By 1900, the Bach Choir of Bethlehem performed Johann Sebastian Bach's Mass in B Minor in the city's Central Moravian Church. Bethlehem was one of four main Moravian communities in the northeastern United States, along with Emmaus, Lititz, and Nazareth, all in Pennsylvania.

20th century

At the start of the 20th century, Bethlehem worked to bring nearby areas into the city. In 1901, Northampton Heights became part of Bethlehem. In 1904, West Bethlehem was added, followed by Hottlesville in 1905. South Bethlehem tried to stay independent but was later joined with Bethlehem. After these changes, Bethlehem's current city limits were set. Archibald Johnston, an executive from Bethlehem Steel, became the first mayor of the new, larger city.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Bethlehem covers an area of 19.4 square miles (50 km²). Most of this is land, with only a small part being water. The city bought a big area in the Pocono Mountains to store water because making steel needs a lot of water. The Lehigh River, which flows into the Delaware River, runs through Bethlehem. Two smaller rivers, Monocacy and Saucon Creeks, also flow into the Lehigh River in Bethlehem.

Bethlehem is about 50 miles (80 km) north of Philadelphia and around 80 miles (130 km) west of New York City.

Climate

Bethlehem has warm, humid summers, mild spring and fall, and cold winters. Rain and snow happen throughout the year. Temperatures can range from as low as -16 °F (-27 °C) to as high as 105 °F (41 °C). The area is suitable for plants that can survive in the USDA 6b Plant hardiness zone.

Neighborhoods

Bethlehem has five main parts or neighborhoods: Center City, West Side, East Side, South Side, and North Side. The West Side is in Lehigh County, while the other areas are in Northampton County.

• Center City is bordered by Monocacy Creek to the west, Dewberry Ave to the north, and Stefko Boulevard to the east.
• The West Side starts at the city’s western edge near Allentown and goes east to Monocacy Creek and north to Hanover Township. The Mount Airy area is within the West Side.
• The East Side is east of Center City and includes the Pembroke Village area.
• The South Side is south of the Lehigh River, bordered by Fountain Hill to the west and Hellertown to the east.
• The North Side is north of Dewberry Ave and stretches up Route 191, marking more of a cultural area than a strict boundary.

Demographics

2020 census

In 2020, Bethlehem had 75,781 people. The average age was 36.3 years. About 18.9% were younger than 18, and 17.8% were 65 or older. For every 100 girls and women, there were 92.1 boys and men.

All residents lived in urban areas.

There were 30,303 homes. About 25.4% had children younger than 18. Of all homes, 35.1% were married couples, 21.4% had a man living alone, and 34.7% had a woman living alone. About 34.2% of homes had just one person, and 14.4% of these were people aged 65 or older.

There were 32,205 places to live, and 5.9% were empty.

2010 census

In 2010, Bethlehem had 74,982 people. There were 31,221 places to live, with 5.9% empty. The people were 76.4% White, 6.9% African American, 0.3% Native American, 2.9% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 10.0% from other races, and 3.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people made up 24.4% of all people.

2000 census

In 2000, Bethlehem had 71,329 people. There were 17,094 families and 28,116 homes. The number of people per square mile was 3,704.4 (1,430.3/km²). There were 29,631 places to live, with an average of 1,538.8 per square mile (594.1/km²). The people were 81.85% White, 3.64% African American, 0.26% Native American, 2.22% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 9.44% from other races, and 2.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people made up 18.23% of all people.

There were 28,116 homes. About 26.3% had children younger than 18. Of all homes, 44.1% were married couples, 12.8% had a woman living alone, and 39.2% were not families. About 32.3% of homes had just one person, and 14.4% of these were people aged 65 or older.

The ages of the people were spread out. About 21.0% were younger than 18, 14.4% were between 18 and 24, 26.6% were between 25 and 44, 20.1% were between 45 and 64, and 17.9% were 65 or older. The average age was 36 years. For every 100 girls and women, there were 91.5 boys and men. For every 100 girls and women aged 18 and above, there were 88.6 boys and men.

Economy

Bethlehem Steel

Main article: Bethlehem Steel

Bethlehem became an important place for factories and trade during the Industrial Revolution. Bethlehem Steel (1857–2003), which started in Bethlehem, was once the second-biggest steel maker in the United States, after Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel. At its peak, the company had over 30,000 workers. Bethlehem Steel was also one of the world's largest shipbuilding companies and helped make many warships for World War II.

Bethlehem Steel made important building materials, like the first wide-flange shapes and the "I-beam," used in many tall buildings. It also made supplies for wars but stopped working in Bethlehem in 1995 and fully closed in 2003.

Wind Creek Bethlehem

Main article: Wind Creek Bethlehem

In 2006, work began to turn the old Bethlehem Steel plant into a large entertainment area. Plans included slot machines, hotel rooms, restaurants, shopping space, and event areas. Construction started in 2007, and the place was later named Wind Creek Bethlehem. It was expected to bring in a lot of money each day by 2009.

Other important places in Bethlehem include St. Luke's Hospital in nearby Fountain Hill, which is a big hospital in the area. More companies such as B. Braun, Lehigh University, and the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America also help the city's economy.

Retail development

Further information: The Outlets at Wind Creek Bethlehem and The Westgate

In recent years, many shops and restaurants have opened in Bethlehem's downtown and South Side. Some older buildings were turned into offices, but new shopping areas have grown, especially near Lehigh University and after Wind Creek Bethlehem opened in 2009. There are also five shopping centers around the city, including The Westgate.

Arts and culture

Bethlehem is famous for its happy Christmas celebrations. The city was named Bethlehem on Christmas Eve in 1741 by Nicolaus Zinzendorf, a Moravian bishop. In 1747, Bethlehem became the first city in the United States to have a decorated Christmas tree.

Each year, Bethlehem hosts many cultural events. The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, founded in 1898, draws visitors for its annual festival. Other events include The Celtic Classic for Celtic culture, the SouthSide Film Festival, and NEARFest, a music event.

Musikfest, the nation's largest free music festival, takes place each August and features hundreds of musical acts. SteelStacks, a cultural center, opened in 2011 and offers music, art, and educational programs. The Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University also hosts many performances.

On the first Friday of each month, the Southside Shopping District holds First Friday with special events and discounts. The Lehigh Canal and Monocacy Creek are great spots for hiking, biking, and fishing. The Historic Moravian Bethlehem District became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024.

Sports

Bethlehem has had many sports teams. Lehigh Valley RFC, a rugby team that began in 1998, plays at Monocacy Park.

Bethlehem Steel FC, a soccer team that started in 2015, played at Goodman Stadium on the campus of Lehigh University until it moved to Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, in 2019. The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks, an indoor football team, played at Stabler Arena until moving to Allentown in 2014.

From 1996 to 2012, the Philadelphia Eagles held their summer training camps at Lehigh University. In the early 1900s, Bethlehem had a famous soccer team called Bethlehem Steel F.C. They won many championships and were the first American professional soccer team to tour Europe, playing in Sweden in 1919. The team also won the National Challenge Cup, now called the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, five times between 1915 and 1926.

Parks and recreation

Bethlehem has 39 parks covering 568 acres (2.3 km²). Some of the parks include Buchannan Park, Elmwood Park, Illick's Mill Park, Johnston Park, Monocacy Park, Rockland Park, Rose Garden, Sand Island, Saucon Park, Sell Field, South Mountain Park, Triangle Park, West Side Park, and Yosko Park.

Government

See also: Mayor of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem has a mayor and a city council with seven members. Mayor J. William Reynolds began his job on January 3, 2022. The city is part of Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district, and it is represented by Ryan Mackenzie.

The city council has seven members who are elected at different times. After the 2021 election, the council includes Michael G. Colón as the president, along with Grace Crampsie Smith, Wandalyn Enix, Hillary Kwiatek, Rachel Leon, Paige Van Wirt, and Kiera Wilhelm. They all belong to the same political group.

Education

Colleges and universities

Further information: Lehigh University and Moravian University

Bethlehem has three places for higher learning. Lehigh University is on South Mountain. It has many students and was started in 1865.

Moravian University is in the center of Bethlehem. It is a small liberal arts college. It started in 1742 and offers programs for students.

The International Institute for Restorative Practices is a school for teaching and research. It offers special degrees.

The Northampton Community College's Fowler Center is in Southside Bethlehem, but the main campus is nearby.

Primary and secondary education

Further information: Bethlehem Area School District

Public schools in Bethlehem are run by the Bethlehem Area School District. The district has two high schools for grades 9–12.

The district also has middle schools and elementary schools. There is also a charter school for the arts.

Bethlehem has private high schools, including Bethlehem Catholic High School and Moravian Academy. Notre Dame High School in Easton also serves students.

The high schools compete in sports and play football games at a large stadium.

Media

Main article: Media in the Lehigh Valley

Bethlehem has two main newspapers: The Morning Call, from nearby Allentown, and The Express-Times, from Easton. There are also smaller papers like The Bethlehem Press and Lehigh Valley Sports Extra.

The city has one TV station, WBPH, and is part of the big Philadelphia TV area. It also gets broadcasts from New York City. Bethlehem has two radio stations, plus a university-run station, and many others from nearby cities.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Air

Main article: Lehigh Valley International Airport

Lehigh Valley International Airport is the fourth-largest airport in Pennsylvania. It is located about 4 miles north of Bethlehem in Allentown.

Highways

Further information: Interstate 78 in Pennsylvania, U.S. Route 22 in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Route 378, and Pennsylvania Route 412

Bethlehem has about 234 miles of public roads. Some roads are kept up by the state, and some by the city. Interstate 78 is a major highway that runs through the southeast part of Bethlehem. U.S. Route 22 goes through the northwest corner of the city. Pennsylvania Route 378 starts near U.S. Route 22 and goes through downtown Bethlehem. Pennsylvania Route 412 begins near Interstate 78 and goes through the city.

Buses

See also: LANta and Trans-Bridge Lines

LANta runs local buses in Bethlehem. These buses connect the city to Allentown, Easton, the Lehigh Valley Mall, and other places. The Bethlehem Transportation Center is a main stop for these buses.

Trans-Bridge Lines offers buses between Bethlehem and New York City. Buses stop at the Bethlehem Transportation Center and the Wind Creek Bethlehem bus terminal. There are two routes to New York City. OurBus runs buses from Bethlehem to Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey.

Freight rail

Further information: Norfolk Southern Railway

The Norfolk Southern Railway and Lehigh Valley Rail Management handle freight trains in Bethlehem. Norfolk Southern uses the Lehigh Line along the Lehigh River, with the Reading Line branching off in Bethlehem.

Bethlehem used to have passenger train service at the Bethlehem Union Station. Trains ran to Philadelphia until 1981. The Central Railroad of New Jersey also used to stop at the Bethlehem station.

Utilities

Further information: PPL Corporation and UGI Utilities

Bethlehem gets its electricity from PPL Corporation and its natural gas from UGI Utilities. The city’s water and sewer services are managed by the Department of Water and Sewer Resources. The water comes from the Pocono Mountains. Trash collection is done by private companies, and the city handles recycling.

Notable people

See also: List of people from the Lehigh Valley

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has been home to many famous people. Some well-known individuals include:

• Charles Altemose, a soccer player
• Jeff Andretti, a former professional race car driver
• John Andretti, a former professional race car driver in NASCAR and IndyCar Series
• Michael Andretti, a professional racing team owner and race car driver
• David Bader, a data science professor at Georgia Tech
• Saquon Barkley, a professional football player for the Philadelphia Eagles
• Chuck Bednarik, a former professional football player for the Philadelphia Eagles and a Pro Football Hall of Fame member
• Michael Behe, a biochemistry professor at Lehigh University
• Stephen Vincent Benét, a poet and novelist
• Josh Berk, an author of children's books
• Pete Carril, a former basketball coach
• Alexandra Chando, an actress known for shows like As the World Turns and The Lying Game
• Jonathan Frakes, an actor and director known for Star Trek: The Next Generation
• Mark Wayne Glasmire, a country music singer
• Eugene Grace, an industrialist and former president of Bethlehem Steel
• John Valentine Haidt, a German-born American painter and Moravian preacher
• Mel Harris, an actress known for Thirtysomething
• Darrun Hilliard, a professional basketball player
• Daniel Dae Kim, an actor, voice actor, and producer
• Gelsey Kirkland, a ballerina
• Joe Kovacs, an Olympic silver medalist in shot put
• Zach Makovsky, a mixed martial artist in UFC's flyweight division
• John E. McGlade, a former chairman and CEO of Air Products
• Alix Olson, a spoken word poet
• Billy Packer, a CBS basketball analyst
• Daniel Roebuck, an actor known for Lost
• Thom Schuyler, a country music singer and songwriter
• Charles M. Schwab, an industrialist and former president of U.S. Steel, who later founded Bethlehem Steel Corporation
• Sheetal Sheth, an actress known for Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World
• John Spagnola, a former professional football player for teams like the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Seattle Seahawks
• Jonathan Taylor Thomas, an actor known for Home Improvement
• Joseph Uliana, a Pennsylvania State Representative and State Senator
• Melissa VanFleet, a singer, songwriter, and musician
• David Zinczenko, an author and founder of Galvanized, known for Eat This, Not That

In popular culture

See also: List of films shot in the Lehigh Valley

Bethlehem has been featured in several movies, TV shows, songs, and comic strips.

In 2019, the movie Christmas Radio was set in Bethlehem. From 2015 to 2019, the HBO series Ballers included a character played by Dwayne Johnson who is from Bethlehem. In 2009, the movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen was filmed at Bethlehem Steel, with its blast furnaces shown in the opening scenes.

The song "Allentown" by Billy Joel, released in 1982, mentions life in Bethlehem. In 1963, a Dennis the Menace comic strip called "Dennis in the Christmas City" featured Dennis' grandfather living in Bethlehem. And going back even further, in 1936, the movie The Three Wise Guys included a scene parodying a visit in a barn in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Sister cities

See also: List of sister cities in Pennsylvania

Bethlehem has special friends called sister cities around the world. These include:

• Corfu, Greece
• Foiano di Val Fortore, Italy
• Murska Sobota, Slovenia
• Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany
• Tondabayashi, Japan