Bethlehem, located in the Lehigh Valley and part of both Lehigh and Northampton Counties of Pennsylvania has an approximate population of 72,000 people. The city was founded in 1762 on Christmas Eve by a group of Moravians led by Nicolaus Ludwig Zinzendorf of Saxony, Germay and named their new settlement after the location of Jesus Christ's birthplace.
During the industrial revolution, Bethlehem grew into a center for goods, services and trade. Bethlehem Steel was founded in 1904 and soon became the industry leader in production of "I-beams" that helped to shape city skylines everywhere. After trade agreements made foreign steel more accessible and cheaper, and environmental damage from coal fired steel plants was identified, business dropped off and Bethlehem Steel closed in 1995.
Bethlehem is better known today as the location for the Philadelpha Eagles spring training camp where an estimated 10,000 people attend daily practices.
Bethlehem is home to two Lehigh University, Moravian College and Northhampton Community College. Founded in 1742, Moravian College is also the sixth oldest college in the nation. Bethlehem is also known for Musik Fest, famous for the celebration of Celtic culture with food and music as well as the not-for-profit and non-competitive, Southside Film festival. Lehigh University's Zoellner Arts Center is the venue for area performing arts presentation. Future plans for economic development include a casino, The Sands Bethworks, located on the old Bethlehem Steel site.
