About Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
The Little Switzerland of America is named after "the greatest athlete ever"
Jim Thorpe is often listed as one of America's most beautiful towns. It is known as "The Little Switzerland of America" and the gateway to the Poconos. Founded in 1818, it was originally named Mauch Chunk. The town is now named after "the greatest athlete of all time".
The historic town of Jim Thorpe, PA is located on a wooded hillside surrounded by mountains in Carbon County in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania. It is flanked to the north by the Pocono Mountains and to the south by Blue Mountain.
The town has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century and is steeped in Irish heritage. The area was originally settled by European immigrants in the early 1800s. Originally known as Mauch Chunk, a name of Native American origin.
The town grew rapidly during the 19th century due to its location along the Lehigh River and the discovery of anthracite coal in the region. The coal industry fueled the local economy and brought prosperity to the area.
In the mid-19th century, the Lehigh Canal and the Lehigh Valley Railroad were built, connecting Mauch Chunk to other major industrial centers in the region. This helped to further develop the town and increase its importance as a transportation hub for the coal and lumber industries.
In the late 19th century, Mauch Chunk emerged as a popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning scenery, especially the nearby Lehigh Gorge, and the Mauch Chunk Switchback Railway, one of America’s earliest operational railways. Launched in 1827 for freight, it soon carried passengers, becoming a pioneering line for both cargo and tourism.
One of the most significant events in the history of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, was the arrival of the famous Native American athlete Jim Thorpe in the early 20th century.
On January 1, 1954, Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk merged into a single borough and renamed it Jim Thorpe in honor of the legendary Sac and Fox Nation athlete, who won gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics and became a national icon for his extraordinary achievements.
Over the years, Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, continued to thrive as a tourist destination, attracting visitors with its historic architecture, museums, and outdoor recreational opportunities. However, the decline of the coal industry in the mid-20th century led to economic challenges for the town. In recent years, efforts have been made to revitalize Jim Thorpe's economy through tourism and the preservation of its historic heritage.
Today, Jim Thorpe is a quaint town with a rich history and a vibrant arts and culture scene. It remains a popular destination for tourists, offering a glimpse into the area's past and celebrating the legacy of the legendary athlete. The town remains, small and little changed, a picturesque Victorian enclave, set in the ravine cut by the Lehigh River.
One of the most attended events of the year is the Fall Foliage Festival. This vibrant event celebrates the breathtaking change of seasons, showcasing the area's rich history, natural beauty, and community spirit.
Jim Thorpe is also a popular Christmas town with the annual Olde Time Christmas celebration. Special events are held over three magical weekends in December. The Olde Time Christmas has strolling carolers and musicians, train rides, holiday shopping, horse and carriage rides, gingerbread house contest and plenty of free family activities.