During its heyday, Jim Thorpe (formerly Mauch Chunk) was a thriving coal industry center known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. It also was second only to Niagara Falls as a North American tourist destination. The arrival of the Great Depression in the 1930’s brought hard times to the area. In the early 1950’s the widow of Olympic champion Jim Thorpe was seeking a finial-resting place for her husband, and Mauch Chunk, was renamed in his honor. Although this news received national attention, it wasn't until several decades later that revitalization actually began.

R.R. Station - Early 1900's

The Switchback Railroad

Susquehanna St. - Early 1900's

Bridge in Glen Onoko Falls