Lehigh River & Canal at Jim Thorpe, PA

Chapter 6 - Jim Thorpe, PA

In 1815, the first settlement in the mountain valley along the Lehigh River was called Coaltown. Later, the town changed its name to Mauch Chunk, which in the Lenni Lenape language, translates to "Bear Mountain." Black bear still roam the Mauch Chunk mountains.

In 1953, two otherwise unrelated events combined to bring about the re-naming of the town. First, the boroughs of Mauch Chunk, Upper Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk were considering a merger and were operating a "nickel-a-week" program to raise money to bring industry to the town.

Second, the athlete, Jim Thorpe, had died of a heart attack in California and his remains had been returned to his home state of Oklahoma. Oklahoma had promised to honor Jim Thorpe with a park dedicated to his memory. When Oklahoma reneged on its promise, Mrs. Thorpe negotiated with Mauch Chunk. Mauch Chunk agreed to merge its boroughs and change its name to Jim Thorpe in the belief that money from his estate would help fund a hospital and a cancer research center. Unfortunately, the Jim Thorpe estate was unable to fulfill its promise.

In May 1954, The towns were merged and took the new name of Jim Thorpe. During his lifetime, Jim Thorpe was never in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.

Describe the town of Jim Thorpe, PA.

The town of Jim Thorpe is a page out of the Sleeping Beauty story. One hundred and fifty years ago, this town was the center of the American industrial revolution. The streets are lined with Victorian office buildings and stately mansions. Old Mauch Chunk was home of several millionaires. When America switched from coal to oil and electricity, Mauch Chunk became a somewhat of a ghost town. Industry left Mauch Chunk and many residents left to seek work elsewhere.

Downtown Jim Thorpe is at the traffic light. In the town center, Hazard Square, lies a giant nugget of anthracite. To the far side is the restored New Jersey Central Railroad Station. It is now an information center and a good place to learn more about the town. From the train station, looking across the park, is the former offices of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company.

The traffic light at the intersection of Rt. 209 and W. Broadway is surrounded by many 19th century buildings that have been converted into small shops. Climbing the hill and heading west on West Broadway for about 4 miles follows the former route of the Switchback Railroad and leads past Mauch Chunk Park. Mauch Chunk Park has beautiful facilities for camping, picnicking and swimming.

The entire downtown area of Jim Thorpe is included in the National Register as the "Historic District of Old Mauch Chunk". Some of the sites are: the Switchback Trail - 1827, Asa Packer Mansion - 1861, Harry Packer Mansion - 1874, Carbon County Jail - 1871, St. Mark's Church - 1869, the Opera House - 1881 and the Jersey Central RR Station - 1888. Further information on Jim Thorpe, PA is available by contacting: Carbon County Office, Pocono Mountain Vacation Bureau, P.O. Box 27, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229.

What are some special places in Jim Thorpe?

Two unique places are Flagstaff and Glen Onoko Falls.

Flagstaff
On the Flagstaff site is a restaurant situated over 1300 feet above sea level. A free observation tower on the roof above the restaurant, offers a breathtaking view. The unaided eye can see about 20 miles across the mountains and through the valleys. On a clear day, with binoculars, it is said that the view extends for 60 miles. During the 1940's, the Dorsey band played in Flagstaff's " ballroom in the clouds".

Flagstaff is now an active restaurant and nightclub. In the past few years, there were several attempts to sell the property. First it was promised to the Hare Krishna's as a "Temple in the Sky." Later, it was bid as a training post for soldiers of fortune. The first proposal fell through due to community opposition; the second proposal failed when the leader was arrested.

Glen Onoko Falls
For adventurous lovers of nature, Glen Onoko Falls is well worth visiting. It is a rugged hike and may be a problem for the inexperienced hiker. But Glen Onoko Falls is magnificent. Some rate it as among the ten best waterfalls in the United States. During the turn of the century, Mauch Chunk and Glen Onocho Falls were a tourist mecca second only to Niagara Falls.

Glen Onoko Falls begins as a mountain spring. The water is a cool 55 degrees even in summer. The water gushes from the top of the mountain and forms a stream that varies between 10 and 20 feet in width. As the water surges down the mountain, it drops over several waterfalls. The largest drop is about 75 feet. The falls are deep into the forest and provide a private spot for wading or picnicking.

Until recently, public roads were not available to reach Glen Onocho. Over 100 years ago, Glen Onocho had its own railroad station. Vacationers would visit the Hotel Wahnetah, an impressive Victorian structure built seven stories high with seven stories of terraced gardens along the side of the mountain.

To reach Glen Onocho Falls, leave the center of Jim Thorpe on Rt. 209 and cross the Lehigh River toward Rt. 903. At the STOP sign, do not turn but continue ahead toward Jim Thorpe Rafting Adventures. When JTRA is on the right, a dirt road is on the left. Take the dirt road to the parking lot and park. Cross the railroad tracks and follow the path away from the river. At the stone wall, either continue ahead to the bottom of the falls or take a right and follow the stone stepped path for a 90 minute hike to the top of the mountain. Cross the mountain top and listen for the falls.

Continued: Lehigh River & Canal - Chapter 7 - The Molly Maguires