Biery's Port Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Biery's Port Historic District
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Dery Silk Mill, October 2012
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Pineapple, Front, Race, and Mulberry Sts., Catasauqua, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 21 acres (8.5 ha) |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 84003457 |
| Added to NRHP | August 9, 1984 |
Biery's Port Historic District is a special area in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania. It's known for its old buildings and important history. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. It includes about 90 historic buildings. Most of these are homes from the mid-to-late 1800s. Some older stone houses from the early 1800s, built by Frederick Biery, are also here. You can also find the Americana Hotel, built in 1852, and the Dery Silk Mill in this historic district.
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The Story of Biery's Port
Catasauqua's Oldest Area
Biery's Port is the oldest part of Catasauqua, Pennsylvania. This town was first settled in 1805. In 1839, Catasauqua became the first place in the United States to start making anthracite iron. This was a big deal for industry. Many of Catasauqua's first shops and homes were built in Biery's Port. Historians say it became "the commercial heart of a thriving town."
David Thomas and Iron Making
A man named David Thomas played a huge role in Catasauqua's history. He was from South Wales and started working with iron at age 17. Later, he managed blast furnaces at a place called Yniscedwyn Iron Works.
The Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company in Pennsylvania asked Thomas for help. They wanted him to build a furnace and successfully run it using only anthracite coal. This type of coal was important for making iron. Lehigh Coal chose Biery's Port for this big project. It was located along the canal, a few miles from Allentown.
Thomas moved from South Wales in 1839. He rented a home in Allentown until his new house in Biery's Port was ready. This house was built by the Crane Iron Company. Thomas successfully completed his task for Lehigh Coal. This led to the creation of the Lehigh Crane Iron Company, which later became known as the Crane Iron Company.
A Town Founder
David Thomas became a very wealthy man and helped his community a lot. He was interested in the town's growth, its finances, and its churches. Many people saw him as the founder of Catasauqua. He especially cared about the First Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua. He also encouraged people to live responsibly and save money.
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