Bethlehem

Bethlehem (pop. 71,428), city in eastern Pennsylvania, 50 mi (80 km) northwest of Philadelphia, on the Lehigh River. Bethlehem was founded in 1741 by refugees from Moravia and Bohemia seeking religious freedom. The Moravian Brethren maintain a theological seminary and chapel (1803). The city is largely supported by the Bethlehem Steel Company. Bethlehem's cultural fame rests upon its patronage of music; it is the home of the Bach Choir and the annual Bach Festival.

See also: Pennsylvania.