Palmerton, PA

Palmerton is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,898 at the 2010 census. Palmerton is located at 40°5′N 75°51′W (40.0933,-75.8583).

The town of Palmerton was founded in 1793 by Nicholas Longworth and James Palmer on land that had been part of the William Penn's 1682 grant to Captain John Smith and his associates. The town was named for General Sir Henry Palmer, who fought with distinction in the American Revolution. In 1811, Palmerton became a borough and incorporated as a municipality under the name "New Philadelphia". The borough's first mayor was Nicholas Longworth's son-in-law, David Shippen.

In 1812, New Philadelphia built its first mill on the Schuylkill River near what is now known as Mill Street Park. This mill became one of the largest textile mills in America and employed over 1,000 people. In 1814, New Philadelphia built its second mill on what is now known as Main Street (formerly Market Street). This mill also became one of the largest textile mills in America and employed over 1,000 people. By 1850, there were six mills operating in Palmerton: two cotton mills (the Old Mill and Union Mill), two woolen mills (the Union Woolen Mills and North Woolen Mills), a paper mill (the Paper Mill), and a foundry (the Foundry). These mills produced textiles such as cotton cloths, woolens, linens, sheeting paper products such as newsprint and wrapping paper products such as gift wrap; they also manufactured metals such as nails and screws for use in construction projects throughout Pennsylvania.

In 1865–1866 during the American Civil War Confederate troops burned down four of Palmerton's six mills: Union Woolen Mills (1865), North Woolen Mills (1865), Paper Mill (1865), Foundry (1866). After Reconstruction ended in 1877 most of these businesses reopened but by 1900 only two operations remained: Union Woolen Mills which operated until 1938; North Woolen Mills which operated until 1971 when it closed due to competition from overseas imports; while the Paper Mill closed permanently around 1970 due to automation technology advancements making it uneconomical to operate given increased production costs from other industries Today only one business remains within Palmerton Borough limits - Palmyra Glassworks - which manufactures custom glass windows using traditional lead-based glassmaking techniques dating back over 300 years .

The decline of industry throughout much of Pennsylvania during the late 20th century led to significant job losses within Palmerton Borough limits; however , since 2000 there has been an increase in small businesses opening up including restaurants , retail stores , health & wellness services , hair salons & spas , etc . While many small businesses are unable to survive against larger competitors or fail within short periods of time , some have been able to weather these economic challenges by adapting their operations or finding new markets within which to sell their products . As a result , while overall employment levels have decreased since 2000 there has been an increase in self-employment opportunities within Palmyra Glassworks alone . Additionally , many residents commute into nearby cities for work including Philadelphia ; Doylestown ; Newtown ; Ardmore ; Langhorne ; Warminster ; etc . As a result , while overall population levels have decreased since 2000 there has been an increase among those who commute into neighboring cities for work . Overall however despite recent economic challenges there remains strong community spirit throughout Palmerton Borough limits evidenced by numerous volunteer organizations active throughout town including Habitat for Humanity which builds homes for low income families; St Vincent de Paul Society which provides assistance with food needs; Special Olympics which provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in sports events; etc .