Laurys Station was initially known as "Slate Dam" after the
Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company built a large
dam there in 1830. In 1832, David Laury established a hotel there, which became a popular resort during the summer months. Laury became the settlement's
postmaster in 1853 and
station agent when the
Lehigh Valley Railroad opened
a station there in 1855. The Lehigh Valley Railroad's four-track mainline was located directly in the middle of the town, which was situated around present-day Mauser Street. It is unknown at what point in time the apostrophe was dropped from the village name, but Laury's Station eventually became Laurys Station. Laurys Station, at one point in time, had its own amusement park on an island in the river. Founded by the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company in 1891 and known as Laury's Island, it included attractions such as steamboat rides, a merry-go-round, and a large dancing pavilion. It was frequently used by social and church groups in the area for gatherings and local family reunions. The
Allentown Band held regular concerts there. A massive flood in February 1902 caused severe damage to the park; although repairs were made and operations continued for a few more years, the park was closed and dismantled in 1906. ==Geography==