Mauch Chunk Historical Society

A Brief History of Mauch Chunk
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Originally known as Mauch Chunk, the borough of Jim Thorpe is nestled in a spectacular valley at a landing along the lower Lehigh River Gorge. The discovery of coal in nearby mountains brought about the founding of Mauch Chunk and gave it great wealth and importance. When coal was supplanted by oil, and trucks and automobiles replaced the railroads, Mauch Chunk also faded from its former status, but only temporarily.

Attempts to mine and transport coal to market from the wilderness of the Upper Lehigh began in the 1790s when the Lehigh Coal Mining Company was formed. Despite their grand plans and wealthy financiers, this company was never successful and several of its investors lost their fortunes and died poor men. The final demise of the LCMC in 1817 allowed the opportunity for a new company to try their hand at developing the region. Mauch Chunk was founded in the fall of 1818 when the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company, headed by Josiah White, began work in the area with a crew of 18 workmen from Philadelphia. Quickly the town became a major center for the transportation of hard or stone coal, known as anthracite. By 1822 the population was two hundred and sixty-nine. A great number had gathered from far and near to build the river dams, cut timber, prepare roadways, and delve in the mountain for coal. By 1840 the population had grown to over 2000 people and the town had expanded to include Upper Mauch Chunk and “the Kettle”, which would become the town of East Mauch Chunk across the Lehigh River.

Surveyed and graded roads were needed to tame the steep inclines of the surrounding mountains. Building these roads was a challenge in the wild terrain, leading to another of Mauch Chunk’s important contributions to America, the civil engineers who surveyed and designed the coal roads, canals and railroads. In the 1820s this discipline was in it’s infancy, having it’s start a few years prior with the Erie Canal in New York. Many of the engineers who worked on the Erie Canal next came to the Lehigh Canal and created another marvel of engineering. Most prominent among these was Canvass White (no relation to Josiah White), whose invention of hydraulic cement was essential to the construction of the Lehigh Canal. The engineering expertise that came out of the Lehigh region was as important to America’s growth as the anthracite that fueled it.

Beginning in 1827, the rails and coal cars of the Mauch Chunk Gravity Railroad replaced the wagons that traveled the original graded coal road. This was the first “railed road” in Pennsylvania and the first significant railroad in America, using only the power of gravity to transport the coal from the mines to the wharves on the Lehigh at Mauch Chunk. The coal cars descended nearly 900 feet in the nine miles they traveled, powered only by gravity.

By the 1860s the efficiency of steam locomotion and the expansion of railroad systems diminished the use of the canal system. The Mauch Chunk Gravity Railroad, which had become known as the Switchback Railroad, fell from use as a coal transporter with the opening of the Hauto Tunnel in 1872, connecting the coalmines of the Panther Valley with the railroads of the Lehigh. Freed of its industrial roots, the Switchback was used solely for transportation and recreation from that time until it’s final run in 1933. During its heyday, the eighteen-mile open rail car ride was a "must do" and one of the most popular attractions in America. Today, though dismantled, it leaves its legacy in the form of trails for hikers and bikers.

Jim Thorpe's famous mansions and Victorian architecture support the claim that Mauch Chunk was once the home to 13 millionaires. During its golden era in the late 1800s the town was known as the wealthiest town - per capita - in America. The industry of tourism grew in importance alongside coal and railroads, and Mauch Chunk boasted seven grand hotels to handle all the visitors. Of these, only the 1850 American Hotel remains, beautifully restored and renamed The Inn at Jim Thorpe. In post-Victorian times Mauch Chunk became known for its famous ballroom in the sky, Flagstaff, where the big bands played, and this attraction is still in operation today. At the entrance to the Lehigh Gorge are the remains of a once famous resort and the Hotel Wahnetah. The hotel was on the east bank of the river, up stream from the old railroad tunnel. On the west bank, near the parking lot, are the remains of the hiking trail to Glen Onoko Park and it’s large picnic grounds. Along with the Switchback Railroad and other attractions, Mauch Chunk became a tourist destination second only to Niagara Falls.

By the 1920s the decline of coal as our nations fuel brought about a decline in the railroad industry. This was devastating to Mauch Chunk and the nearby towns of Nesquehoning, Lansford and Summit Hill, all of whom depended on these industries. World War II brought life back into the region, but only temporarily. The Great Depression, which began in the 1930s continued in Carbon Co. through the 1950s and 1960s as other important manufacturing industries, faded. In the mid 1950s the towns of Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk merged and took the name of Jim Thorpe in an effort to turn the tide on economic decline, but it wasn’t enough. By the late 1960s the future looked bleak for the region as the last coalmines closed and the railroads closed their shops and depots.

The town’s turning point came in the early 1970s with the dedication of the Mauch Chunk Creek Watershed, a large mountain top lake built for the dual purposes of flood control and recreation. No longer was the town’s historic district subject to flood every dozen years or so. People felt secure about investing in their properties without the fear of flood damage. The coal and rail industries were gone from Carbon Co., at least to the extent they had reached in the 19th century. But the other industry that had made Mauch Chunk famous and wealthy was returning –tourism.

Now nearing its 200th birthday, visitors again flock to the town. In addition to its rich history, they find top rated Victorian era accommodations, a reputation for the culinary excellence of its restaurants, and the music, art galleries, and other attractions of a bustling town.
D.M. 03/06 J.S. 8/08 – 7/09

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