Wanamaker, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Wanamaker is a small community found in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It's a part of the larger Lehigh Valley area. This area is home to many people and is one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the United States.
Discover Wanamaker!
Wanamaker is a quiet place located in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It's not a big city, but it has its own unique story. This community is part of a larger region called the Lehigh Valley. The Lehigh Valley is a busy area with many towns and cities. In 2020, over 861,000 people lived there!
A Look Back in Time
The story of Wanamaker began a long time ago. Around the year 1791, a man named Philip Wanamaker came and settled here. He was one of the first people to make this place his home.
Later, Philip's son, Christian Wanamaker, continued to build up the community. Christian ran a special kind of mill called a grist mill. A grist mill was a very important place back then. It was used to grind grain, like wheat or corn, into flour. This flour was then used to make bread and other foods.
The Railroad Story
Trains played a big part in Wanamaker's history! In 1874, a railway station opened in the community. This station was part of the Berks County Railroad. Over time, this railroad became known as the Schuylkill and Lehigh Branch of the Reading Company.
For many years, people could travel by train to and from Wanamaker. But in 1949, regular passenger train service stopped. Even though the big passenger trains no longer run, the Wanamaker station is still active today! It's now the final stop for the Wanamaker, Kempton and Southern Railroad. This is a special local train that offers fun, scenic rides for visitors. It's a great way to see the beautiful countryside around Wanamaker.
