Jim Thorpe, PA Guide
Jim
Thorpe is a tourist destination, with White Water Rafting, Mountain
Biking, Paintball, and Hiking.
The town is, also, popular among railroading fans, and is known for its extraordinary architecture.
It is home to the Asa and Harry Packer Mansions. Asa, was president of the Lehigh Coal Company, and founder of Lehigh University. Harry was his son. Both mansions have been restored to their Victorian Style glory and tours run regularly. The former was the founder of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and Lehigh University; the latter was the son of Asa. Both mansions sit next to one another on a hill overlooking downtown Jim Thorpe. The Asa Packer Mansion is currently a museum and has been conducting tours since Memorial Day of 1956. The Harry Packer Mansion is now a bed and breakfast
The boroughs of
Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk merged and took on the name of Jim
Thorpe following the 1953 death of Olympic athlete Jim Thorpe in hopes
to attract tourism and other attention to help its economy. The town
has also been referred to as the "Switzerland of America",
as can be seen in an old drawing of the town showcased in a restaurant
therein. This may also be the cause of the building next to the Sunrise
Diner having "Hotel Switzerland" painted onto its front.
The town was so nicknamed due to the 
picturesque
scenery, mountainous location, and architecture. The town was founded
by Lehigh Coal Company, and was home to the Mauch Chunk Switchback
Gravity Railroad.
Jim Thorpe is also home to the Anthracite Triathlon. The Anthracite Triathlon is an Olympic distance triathlon open to both amateur and professional triathletes. The swim portion occurs in Mauch Chunk Lake. The bike course takes riders through the mining towns of Summit Hill, Nesquehoning, Lansford, and Jim Thorpe. The running portion of the course is generally along the former alignment of a historic switchback railroad.
Jim Thorpe is
also the home of the famous "Mollie McGuires" The "Molly
Maguires" were miners in the anthracite coal region of Pennsylvania
who organized into a union during the 1860's and 1870's. These miners
were chiefly, although not exclusively, Irish and the union was called
the Workingmen's Benevolent Association. In general, the members of
this union were also members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, a
semi-secret fraternal society, which had its origin in Ireland as
a completely secret and anonymous association.
This organization of Irish miners was dubbed the "Molly Maguires,"
after a group of Irish peasants who dressed up as women to antagonize
their landlords. This group was infamously known as murderers and
assassins and the press and police in America applied the name to
the Irish miners. The label was used by both the press and the owner-operators
of the mining companies to their distinct advantage. They called anyone
who was pro-union a "Molly," inferring that they were criminals
at best. This helped to subdue, even if only slightly, uprisings in
the work place.
Places To Stay In Jim Thorpe, PA:
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The
Inn at Jim Thorpe
-
Jim
Thorpe, PA Built
In The 1840's, this hotel was painstakingly renovated to preserve
the essence of that high-flying era of gaslights, horse-drawn
carriages, and Victorian opulence. It is said General Grant,
President Taft, Buffalo Bill, Thomas Edison, and John D. Rockerfeller
have each stayed here. The village offers a wide variety of
nearby activities such as boating, bicycle rentals, fishing,
children's playground, golf, cross country skiing, sailing,
horseback riding, galleries, hiking trails, jogging track, mountain
biking, train rides, snow mobiling, swimming, water skiing,
& snow skiing. The Swiss Tourist Board has dubbed Jim Thorpe
"America's Little Switzerland."
The
Broadway House Guest House-
Jim Thorpe, PA 44 West Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229. .
.a tranquil, private guest house retreat in Jim Thorpe's historic
& cultural district. ("The Switzerland of America") Open all
year. Turn-of-the-Century Charm combined with modern amenities
& lovely vistas from the hillside decks & sunroom. Nearby hiking
and biking trails, as well as whitewater rafting, swimming &
boating, & skiing areas this a comfortable, relaxing, convenient
& affordable choice.
Jim Thorpe is a quaint small town with lots of antique shops,
local art gallaries, sights to see, historic mansions, summertime
train rides, and much more for a relaxing getaway. 
Reserve
Online
 Rt
209 Lehighton - Almost new all suite hotel near Jim Thorpe, Blue
Mountain Skiing, and Lehigh River Rafting & Canoeing. Stay
here to tour America's "Little Switzerland", visit the
Courthouse made famous by the Molly McGuires. Indoor Pool, Exersize
room, country style continental breakfast, and friendly people.
Reservations
Call 800-805-3559
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