Our History

Our local history begins with the discovery of coal in the area north and west of Jim Thorpe, and the boom town that grew up here as a result of that discovery.

From 1820 until the depression, Jim Thorpe was the center of the culture and economy of this area. Our town boasted thirteen millionaires, including Asa Packer who was the richest man in America at one time.

The discovery of coal sparked the industrial revolution in America. Entrepreneurs Erskine Hazard, Josiah White, and George Hauto founded the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company to move coal to Philadelphia on the Lehigh River and then the Lehigh Canal.

Asa Packer brought the railroad to Jim Thorpe, and made his fortune shipping coal to the burgeoning industrial centers in Philadelphia.

When the depression ended our prosperity, we were too poor to replace our old buildings with modern structures. Now, we treasure our Victorian architecture and our place in the development of our nation as an industrial giant.

We invite you to tour our town, a landing on the Pennsylvania Heritage Corridor, and imagine life as an early pioneer in these mountains.

Mentors, Inc, offers self guided tours that include admission to the two major museums in town. In addition, we offer guided tours to groups of fifteen or more.

For information, call Richard DeFeo at (570) 325-8777.