A History Built on Slate
Located across from Walnutport on the west side of the Lehigh River, Slatington became the center of the region’s Slate industry. In its heyday, slate was used for everything from durable roofing shingles to chalk boards in schools. The Lehigh Slate Company‘s quarries, in and around Slatington, were among the largest in the U.S., and furnished some of the country’s highest quality slate.
But a large portion of Slatington’s growth and success is also directly tied to the opening of the Lehigh Canal, and the ease of shipping that resulted. The town further blossomed when the railroad was built in the late 19th century.
Today’s traditional downtown, with large Victorian homes (such as the James O. Haines Home pictured at left), is a reminder of the commerce generated by the canal, railroad and slate industry. Elaborate slate roofs display the beauty of this local building material, which was once shipped as far away as British Columbia and used to adorn the capital building in the Canadian province. Slatington’s streetscape artifacts are closely tied to the story of extraction, processing, transporting and marketing of slate. (Source: Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor)
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
In an effort to slow the progression of the disease the Borough of Slatington is taking the following steps to protect our employees and the community.
The Borough offices are now reopened to the public. Visitors should wear masks, and practice social distancing. If you do not feel comfortable entering the building, the Borough office can be reached at 610-767-2131 during normal business hours. In addition, moving permits, other permits, complaint forms, etc. are available at our website www.slatington.org
Our two-utility payment drop boxes are located to the right of the outside entrance door, and between the entrance doors on your left.
Public restrooms at the Slatington Trailhead are now open to the public. However, users assume all risk when using them. They are not cleaned after each use, so follow all CDC safety measures. The children play area at the Walnut St. playground will reopen when Lehigh County is in the Green Zone. Equipment is not cleaned after each use, so please follow all CDC safety protocols.
If you have a non-emergency issue that you need addressed by a police officer, please call 610-767-1846, or County Dispatch at 610-437-5252 to schedule an appointment with a police officer. In any emergency please dial 911.
