History:
The roots of Jim Thorpe stretch back to the early nineteenth century when Josiah White, the founder of the town, discovered how to effectively use Anthracite coal as an energy source. The Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company was created and began mining operations in the surrounding hills at locations like the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum. Innovative techniques were used to transport the coal, including dams, locks and canals along the Lehigh River as well as a Switchback Gravity Railroad which is known as one of the oldest roller coasters in the world. After its days of mining use were over, it became a popular thrill ride for Victorian tourists, who came to the area to enjoy the great outdoors and admire the incredible mansions of wealthy industrialists like Asa Packer. Jim Thorpe's Broadway Street was then known as "Millionaire's Row."
The town took on the name it holds today in 1954, when it became the final resting place for Olympian and famous Native American athlete Jim Thorpe. His legacy is honored every year during the Jim Thorpe Birthday Celebration in May, and his mausoleum and memorial can be found along Route 903.
Listen & Learn: Jim Thorpe: Death of an All-American
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Plan ahead and arrive early to secure a parking spot for your day in Jim Thorpe! There are parking pay kiosks located throughout Jim Thorpe, but each applies to a particular parking zone. Before you pay at a kiosk, double check that it is the appropriate kiosk for the zone that you parked in. View our Jim Thorpe parking page for maps and more information! In October, take advantage of additional weekend parking options.
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Originally called Mauch Chunk, the town was renamed in 1954 when it became the final resting place of Olympian and famous Native American athlete Jim Thorpe.
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The town was founded in 1818 by the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company and initially called Mauch Chunk which means "Bear Place" or "Bear Mountain" in the language of the Native Lenape people.
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Check out seasonal festivities, see a show, ride the train and so much more: click here to check out events happening in Jim Thorpe and Carbon County this weekend.
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The town of Jim Thorpe, PA is well worth visiting at any time of year! Snap photos along the beautiful old world streets, browse eclectic shops and restaurants, attend local festivals and shows, find one-of-a-kind, welcoming places to stay, dive into the area's rich history at local museums, or explore the incredible natural beauty of the surrounding Lehigh Gorge area with outdoor recreation like a whitewater rafting trip, a hiking or biking expedition, or a scenic train ride.
Making Memories in Jim Thorpe
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