Jim Thorpe, the town

Jim Thorpe, PA is broken into two parts, separated by a river. The first part we reached ran up into the mountain, or so it seemed, but it had a Main Street appeal. The courthouse was located here along with many small shops and the visitors' center in a former train depot. The other side was less picturesque and was divided by a main road, 903, which went to the Pocono Racetrack and beyond.

See my previous post for information on how the town came to be known as Jim Thorpe.

 

The Main Street of Jim Thorpe.

 

The buildings were all very well cared for and in use. This was no ghost town, for sure.

Jim Thorpe was originally known at Mauch Chunk, which are the Lenni Lenape (Native Americans) words for "sleeping bear."



Jim Thorpe Courthouse

The coal-mining town was incorporated in 1850, though the first settlement of the area occurred in 1818 with the construction of 40 buildings on 400 acres.

Looking back toward the courthouse.

At one time, 19 of the country's 26 millionaires had a residence in Mauch Chunk, according to the visitor's guide. I guess that was back in the 1800s or early 1900s - the book didn't say exactly when this was.

We enjoyed walking the two blocks I could manage.

Another book store! Hurray!

 

The structures are very small-town America in style.

 

Jim Thorpe has been called the "Switzerland of America."
 

This was the town library. The structure was built in 1889.
 

I wanted to go in but could not find a handicapped access.

Anthracite coal is what made this little community.

 

My husband with a big piece of anthracite coal.