Easton in Northampton County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
From Brownfields to Greenfields
"Nature has a way of reclaiming herself. Given time and human neglect, even the sites of mighty industries will revert to meadows and forests."
Captain Sherman's
Guide to Hugh Moore Park (1988)
Section 8 of the Lehigh Canal forms the core of the City of Easton's Hugh Moore Park. Named in honor of Hugh Moore (1887-1972), founder of the Dixie Cup Company, the park was an important transportation and industrial site in the nineteenth century. In 1962, Moore provided funds for the purchase of six miles of canal and adjacent land from the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. Stretching along the Lehigh River from Hopesville in Bethlehem Township to the junction of the Lehigh, Delaware, and Morris Canals at Easton, the park contains 260 acres, including several islands, and an equal amount of water area.
Hugh Moore Park is devoted to preserving and interpreting America's canal and industrial revolution eras. It includes the only fully restored portion of a towpath canal in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Within the park are three operating locks and other canal structures,
this page online
A mule-drawn canal boat ride operates on the restored Lehigh Canal in season. The Locktender's House Museum, adjacent to Guard Lock No. 8, provides visitors with the opportunity to step back in time to learn about the life of the locktender and his family. Picnic pavilions, picnic tables, hiking and bike paths, a playground, and canoe and pedal boat rentals are available. The park is operated by the National Canal Museum (Hugh Moore Historical Park & Museums, Inc.) in cooperation with the City of Easton's Hugh Moore Park Commission and Department of Public Services.
Erected by City of Easton, Pennsylvania.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1962.
Location. 40° 40.129′ N, 75° 14.184′ W. Marker is in Easton, Pennsylvania, in Northampton County. Marker is on Hugh Moore Park Road just south of Hill Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Easton PA 18042, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Men of Iron (here, next to this marker); Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution (here, next to this marker); Iron in Colonial Pennsylvania (a few steps from this marker); The Industrial Revolution (within shouting distance of this marker); Hugh Moore Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Fathers of the Industrial Revolution (within shouting distance of this marker); The Promise of Anthracite Coal (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lehigh Crane Iron Company (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Easton.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 4, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 63 times since then and 7 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on October 4, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
