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Jim Thorpe: The Switzerland of America
Downtown view of Jim Thorpe Courtesy of PMVB
JIM THORPE: THE SWITZERLAND OF AMERICA
By Amanda Kuhn
Explore the dramatic cascades of the Lehigh Gorge, shop for unique artwork and antiques, or sip drinks on an idyllic patio. Whatever your pleasure, the quaint little town of Jim Thorpe has something for all ages and interests. Filled with impressive architecture and picturesque landscapes, it’s no wonder why this tucked-away town has earned its rightful spot on many “Best Of” lists nationwide.
Located in Carbon County, Jim Thorpe is a seemingly small piece of Europe right here in our own backyard. Situated in a dense, narrow valley with terraced hillsides the town is often referred to as “The Switzerland of America” or “Little Switzerland.” While the distinct landscape is a visual reminder of the town’s deep roots, its remarkable collection of 19th century Victorian buildings is also an indication of the town’s unique heritage. Jim Thorpe’s interesting story of struggle, survival, boom, bust, and revival will only intensify your appreciation of its beauty. In 1815, early coal operations laid out a wagon road along the Lehigh River which became a growing settlement aptly named “Coalville.” Later know as Mauch Chunk, an Indian name for Bear Mountain, the town was founded by merchant entrepreneurs Josiah White, Erskine Hazard and George Hauto who formed the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company (LC&N). In the 1820’s, the LC&N began developing the transport of anthracite coal via the Lehigh and Delaware canals. As mining and building work boomed, English, Welsh and Irish immigrants moved to the area. In the early 1830’s, the LC&N began to sell lots of land, promising an opportunity for individual enterprise. As the lots sold, various industries sprang up including an iron foundry (Carbon Furnace), a wire mill, a gas company, two hotels (Broadway House and the White Swan Hotel), and more. The town grew, and in 1843 it became the county seat for Carbon County.
In the 1850’s, the heavy reliance on the Lehigh and Delaware canals came to a end when the Lehigh Valley Railroad was formed. Self-made millionaire and entrepreneur Asa Packer turned his assets into a sizable share of the coal market, becoming the wealthiest man in Mauch Chunk. Packer erected a Italianate mansion in 1861, overlooking what is now the downtown. The mansion has since been preserved; today visitors can see its elaborately-carved wood paneling and most of the original furnishings.
This period of prosperity was accelerated by the Lehigh Valley Railroad. In addition to being a hub for shipping anthracite, the town also became a popular center for tourism throughout the 1870’s - 1920’s. Building and infrastructure continued to develop during this time and architecture became a symbol of wealth for both businesses and residents. Other local industries grew as well: steam flower mills, breweries, a cigar factory, stores, restaurants, saloons, and more opened their doors.
As the coal industry started to decline in the 1920’s, Mauch Chunk began to experience an economic downturn. Looking to bolster it’s failing economy, the two boroughs of Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk united to form the borough of Jim Thorpe in 1954. As a symbol of unity, the widow of famous Olympic Decathlon Champion, Jim Thorpe, offered her husband’s name and body in exchange for a proper memorial. To preserve Jim Thorpe’s unique image, over 300 properties throughout the town, designated as the “Old Mauch Chunk Historic District” were nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Today, the majority of the town’s Victorian architecture still stands. Many of which have been preserved and restored into a variety of shops and restaurants. Visitors can stroll through this historic area; explore unique shops; tour mansions and a Gothic church; enjoy wine tasting and eateries, listen to live music at the Mauch Chunk Opera House, and more. After you’re done exploring, hop on a train and continue your journey. Take your fun to the river and experience whitewater rafting, hike the Glen Onoko Falls, bike the Switchback and D&L trails, camp, and canoe. The list of things to see and do is extensive, so below is a list of a few highlights for you to check out first.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
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View of the historic Harry Packer Mansion Courtesy of PMVB
THINGS TO DO:
MAUCH CHUNK MUSEUM
The theme of the museum’s core exhibition is “The Story of Mauch Chunk”, which leads the visitors through the ages from the geological formation of coal in prehistoric times to the present.
mauchchunkmcc.org
MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE
Intimate, fine listening room for all kinds of music including rock ‘n’ roll, singer-songwriter, jazz, and contemporary. An easy walk from downtown restaurants, the Opera House is staffed with friendly people to help provide a casual, relaxed, and intimate listening experience at reasonable prices.
mcohjt.com
ASA PACKER MUSEUM
The Mansion was the home of philanthropist, railroad magnate, and founder of Lehigh University, Asa Packer. Built in 1861, the home was constructed over a span of two years and cost a total of $14,000 dollars. The home consists of 3 stories, 18 rooms and approximately 11,000 square feet of living space.
www.asapackermansion.com
HAWK MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY
The mission of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association is to conserve birds of prey worldwide by providing leadership in raptor conservation science and education, and by maintaining Hawk Mountain Sanctuary as a model observation, research and education facility. As the world’s first refuge for birds of prey, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has a dramatic history that started during the Great Depression with amateur ornithologist Richard Pough.
www.hawkmountain.org
OLD JAIL MUSEUM
Join an escorted tour of the historic Old Jail’s hallways Cell 17. With its mysterious hand print on the wall, the gallows on which seven accused coal miners known as Molly Maguires were hanged and the eerie dungeon solitary confinement cells a trip around Halloween would not disappoint.
www.theoldjailmuseum.com
THE DELAWARE & LEHIGH NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR
The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L) is both a diverse, multi-faceted organization, and a multiuse trail spanning 165 miles from the mountains of northeast Pennsylvania through the Lehigh Valley and Bucks County. They will connect you to distinct experiences in nature, community and economic development, health and recreation, history, preservation, and education.
delawareandlehigh.org
LEHIGH GORGE SCENIC RAILWAY
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway primarily uses passenger coaches that were built as early as 1917. Most trains are diesel operated, but the railroad does use steam locomotive No. 425 on occasion. Regular seasonal trains operate from the historic downtown Jim Thorpe Station May through December into the
beautiful Lehigh Gorge State Park. Bike trains are a new option for people who want to view the entire Lehigh Gorge.
www.lgsry.com
D&L TRAILHEAD
There are numerous trails in and around the town of Jim Thorpe. Biking and hiking are available for every level. Get maps and information at the Visitor’s Center (Train Station).
delawareandlehigh.org
MAUCH CHUNK LAKE PARK
The park began as a flood control project because of the mountainous terrain and confinement of the Mauch Chunk Creek that flows beneath the town of Jim Thorpe. Today the park exceeds 150,000 visitors annually and has become a popular vacation destination for many families. The park has facilities for camping, swimming, picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.
www.carboncounty.com/index.php/park
LEHIGH GORGE STATE PARK
The 6,107 acres of park land follow the Lehigh River from Francis E. Walter Dam in the north to Jim Thorpe in the south. The Lehigh Gorge Trail follows over 20 miles of abandoned railroad grade along the river, providing opportunities for hiking, bicycling, sightseeing and photography. The trail is closed to motor vehicles.
www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/ LehighGorgeStatePark/Pages/default.aspx
BEAR MOUNTAIN BUTTERFLY SANCTUARY
Experience the Wonder of Live Butterflies and Exotic Frogs in Jim Thorpe’s unique Hands-on Education Center with indoor Live-flight Flutterarium, Kid’s Art Space , Activity Room and Nature-based Gift Shop. Learn all about butterflies. Watch a short video, enjoy a fascinating & fun program, hand feed butterflies, create a happy memory and a craft project to take home. Seasonal, see website for hours and events.
bearmountainbutterflies.com
*Things To Do courtesy of the Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency. For more attractions and information visit jimthorpe.org.
Jim Thorpe’s deep, historical roots make this quaint little town even more appealing. From beautiful architecture to breath-taking views, we’re fortunate to have this gem right in our own backyard. For complete information on the attractions, stores, eateries, shops and more, visit the jimthorpe.org.
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE THE MOUNTAINS FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
Celebrate the holidays surrounded by great company and even better cuisine in the Pocono Mountains. From romantic dinners by candlelight to farm-to-table experiences, our local chefs are serving up something for every palate. Visit PoconoMountains.com to see all of our mouth-watering dining options and make your reservation.
