History

From its beginnings in the 1820s, our town played a major part in America’s Industrial Revolution by providing the coal used to fire furnaces employed in the creation of steel. Entrepreneurs from Mauch Chunk innovated many technological advancements one of which was the lock-dam system used to make the Lehigh River navigable for coal shipping. They also built the second permanent railroad in America called “The Switchback Gravity Railroad” to facilitate bringing coal from nearby mines to the Lehigh River for transport to Philadelphia by coal boats. Mauch Chunk was once a major tourist center, second only to Niagara Falls, and was once known as “The Switzerland of America.” The Switchback Gravity Railroad being the main attraction surrounded by a very picturesque landscape eventually sparked the creation of the Roller-coaster which become a standard attraction in America’s Amusement Parks. Asa Packer, who founded The Lehigh Valley Railroad, rose to become America’s third most wealthy man, and also founded Lehigh University in nearby Bethlehem. In 1954, as East and West Mauch Chunk merged into one community, the town was re-named Jim Thorpe in honor of “The World’s Greatest Athlete,” whose body is buried here. Our Museum and walking tour present this rich historical tapestry to educate and inspire visitors of all ages.