Trout Hall
Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Built, 1769-70, by James Allen, son of Allentown's founder, William Allen. Later known as the Livingston Mansion. In 1848 it became Allentown Seminary, and in 1867 part of Muhlenberg College. Now the home of the Lehigh County Historical Society.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
James Allen, son of Allentown's founder William Allen, built this handsome country seat in 1769–70 on the eve of the Revolution. Over the next century Trout Hall passed through many hands and purposes—known for a time as the Livingston Mansion before becoming Allentown Seminary in 1848 and, in 1867, part of the newly founded Muhlenberg College. Today it houses the Lehigh County Historical Society.
Why it matters
The house traces a single building's evolution from colonial gentry estate to schoolhouse to museum, mirroring how the Lehigh Valley grew from frontier landholding into a settled center of learning.
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Related people
- · James Allen
- · William Allen
Related events
- · Founding of Allentown Seminary (1848)
- · Founding of Muhlenberg College (1867)
Themes & tags
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