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Bethlehem & The Revolution
Bethlehem’s Revolutionary War story didn’t unfold on the battlefields, yet this thriving 1700s community was instrumental in shaping the future of our fledgling nation.
Designed to commemorate our nation’s 250th birthday, the dynamic new Bethlehem & The Revolution walking tour shines a spotlight on Bethlehem’s unique role in the fight for independence. You’ll explore how the Moravian community navigated a war they neither started nor supported, yet could not escape.
The tour examines the Moravians’ uneasy position between the Patriot and Loyalist worlds. Discover how their deeply held pacifist beliefs collided with wartime demands, how local trades quietly supported the Continental Army, and how soldiers, officers and Founding Fathers repeatedly passed through town.
One of those visitors was John Adams, who arrived in 1777 and was struck by what he found. Writing to his wife Abigail, the future president described Bethlehem as a “curious and remarkable town.”
“They have carried the mechanical arts to greater perfection here than in any place which I have seen…Upon the river they have a fine Sett of Mills. The best Grist Mills and bolting Mills, that are any where to be found.” – John Adams
You will also learn about the 1762 Waterworks, the first pumped municipal water system in the nation, and the Second Single Brethren’s House, which served twice as a hospital for the Continental Army. At the height of the war, Bethlehem and its residents cared for more than 400 sick and wounded soldiers. Among them was Revolutionary War hero the Marquis de Lafayette, recovering from injuries sustained at the Battle of Brandywine. Lafayette’s service and sacrifice helped secure French support for the American cause, ultimately leading to the vital alliance between the two nations.
On Bethlehem & The Revolution, you’ll encounter stories of surveillance, suspicion, cooperation and compromise, revealing how faith-based ideals were tested under pressure. Discover firsthand how this early Moravian community became an essential if reluctant participant in America’s battle for independence.
Suggested Itineraries Which Include the Bethlehem & The Revolution Tour
For the Revolutionary War Buff – Offered Sundays
Follow Bethlehem’s community from its earliest days into the pressures of a war it never chose. Guests see the 1762 Waterworks and hear how the Second Single Brethren’s House became a Continental Army hospital, caring for more than 400 sick and wounded soldiers, including the Marquis de Lafayette.
Suggested itinerary:
- 1:00 PM: Old Bethlehem Walking Tour – 90 minutes
- 2:30-3:00 PM: Free time on Main Street
- 3:00 PM: Bethlehem & The Revolution Tour – 90 minutes
Walking Tour Accessibility
Historic Bethlehem’s guided walking tours take you through the heart of Bethlehem’s National Historic Landmark District – the same grounds where history actually happened. Tours typically runs about 90 minutes at a comfortable walking pace, moving along brick and paved sidewalks, a few gentle hills, and some sloped or possibly grassy stretches between stops. It’s part of what makes the experience feel real rather than staged.
If you have questions about a specific tour, or want help planning your visit, call the Historic Bethlehem Heritage Concierge Service at 1-800-360-TOUR (8687). We’re happy to walk through the details with you and find the right fit.
What is the typical pace of the tours?
Tours are typically around 90 minutes. This is around 90 minutes of walking and standing, with stops along the way to take in the sights and stories. Seating is available at only a few points along the route.
What is the terrain?
The terrain is a mix of brick and paved sidewalks, with some uneven, sloped, or grassy sections. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are highly recommended.
Are there inclines or slopes on these tours?
Most routes are gently sloped. The Bethlehem and the Revolution, Birthplace of Industry, and Mystery & History Tours include a steeper paved incline between the Historic District and the Colonial Industrial Quarter. It’s a great chance to see the landscape that shaped the city’s industry.
Are there stairs on the tours?
The Grist Miller’s House, 1741 Gemeinhaus, and the Single Sisters’ House are original 18th-century buildings without elevators, so there is a flight or two of steeper historic stairs. Guests on the Branching Out Tour, which includes the Gemeinhaus and the Single Sisters’ House, and the Birthplace of Industry Tour, which includes the Grist Miller’s House, are welcome to remain on the main floor. Our guides are happy to describe what is on the other floors, and Branching Out Tour attendees can watch a video at the Gemeinhaus showing what they would see on the second floor of the building.
Are the tours wheelchair and mobility device friendly?
Many outdoor sections of our tour routes are navigable with a manual or power wheelchair. Some brick and sloped areas may be more challenging for certain devices, and we’re glad to help you find the route that works best.
