Railroad History in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Nestled in the heart of the Pocono Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania, Jim Thorpe is a charming town with a rich railroad heritage. Once a bustling hub of anthracite coal transportation, the town played a significant role in shaping America’s industrial growth. Today, Jim Thorpe celebrates its railroad history through preserved landmarks, scenic train rides, and its enduring connection to the golden age of railroading.
Two of our managers, Anne and Steph, visited Jim Thorpe in November 2024 and were taken in by the picturesque town steeped in history.
The Beginnings of Railroading in Jim Thorpe
Originally known as Mauch Chunk, the town was founded in 1818 and became a key location in Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal industry.
The Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company (LC&N) established an innovative gravity railroad in 1827, one of the first railroads in the United States. The gravity railroad utilized inclined planes and gravity to transport coal down the mountainside to the Lehigh River, revolutionizing coal transportation.
This system laid the groundwork for the construction of more advanced railroads and positioned Mauch Chunk as a vital transportation hub. The town quickly grew, earning the nickname “The Switzerland of America” for its steep terrain and picturesque scenery.
Historic Photos (credit to original owners).
The Lehigh Valley Railroad
As rail technology advanced, the Lehigh Valley Railroad (LVRR) expanded its reach, connecting Mauch Chunk to major markets in New York City and Philadelphia. The railroad facilitated the shipment of coal, timber, and other goods, fueling the industrial revolution and solidifying the town’s economic importance.
By the late 19th century, Mauch Chunk was a bustling town with impressive Victorian architecture, built on the wealth generated by the railroad and coal industries. Train stations, depots, and roundhouses became integral parts of the town’s infrastructure, some of which are preserved to this day.
Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company
Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company Building- photo by S Zemba
The Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company (LC&N) was founded in 1820 in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. It played a significant role in the development of the region's coal and iron industries during the 19th century. The company was known in the Lehigh Valley as the "Old Company" Lehigh. LC&N operated extensive coal mining and transportation operations, utilizing railroads, canals, and later, larger-scale rail networks to transport anthracite coal, a major energy source of the era. LC&N became a key player in fueling the Industrial Revolution in the northeastern United States, as the coal it produced powered steam engines, trains, and industrial machines. The company was also involved in iron production and had a prominent influence on the local economy. However, by the 20th century, the company faced financial difficulties and the decline of the anthracite coal industry. Despite this, the LC&N remains a historic symbol of American industrialization.
LC&N was a key player in the development of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, as it was heavily invested in transporting the anthracite coal it mined in the Lehigh Valley. The railroad was initially created in 1846 to transport coal from LC&N's mines to markets, primarily via its connections to the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company and the Pennsylvania Canal System.
Over time, the Lehigh Valley Railroad became the primary method of transportation for LC&N's coal, ensuring the efficient movement of the valuable resource to major cities like New York and Philadelphia. As LC&N expanded its operations, it took a controlling interest in the Lehigh Valley Railroad, cementing their economic partnership.
This relationship helped both companies thrive during the height of the anthracite coal industry. The railroad became a vital part of LC&N's coal distribution network and played an essential role in transporting the region's coal to fuel the growing industries of the northeastern United States.
Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ)
The Jersey Central (formally known as the Central Railroad of New Jersey or CNJ) had a significant historical presence in Jim Thorpe and played a key role in the development of the region's transportation infrastructure.
The Central Railroad of New Jersey was a major railroad company that operated in the northeastern United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and parts of New York. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a crucial transportation network, especially for moving coal from the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas to markets in the east.
Jim Thorpe, originally known as Mauch Chunk, became a focal point for the CNJ in the late 1800s. The town was an essential stop on the railroad's routes due to its location in the heart of the anthracite coal region, and it played an important role as a transportation hub. The CNJ had a passenger station in Jim Thorpe that was used for both local and long-distance travel, serving as a gateway for tourists and coal industry workers. The town’s proximity to the Lehigh Gorge also made it a convenient location for transporting coal via rail, and Mauch Chunk served as an important connection point for the surrounding mining communities.
In addition to coal transportation, the CNJ also carried passengers. The company's trains connected Jim Thorpe to larger cities like Philadelphia, New York, and other parts of Pennsylvania, making it a key route for both industrial transport and leisure travel. In the early 20th century, the CNJ operated luxurious passenger trains that made stops in the region, contributing to the tourism industry.
The CNJ was known for its distinctive "Blue Comet" passenger trains, which were famous for their speed and luxury. Though much of the passenger service was eventually phased out in the mid-20th century, the railroad continued to operate freight services for several more decades. The station in Jim Thorpe, a grand Victorian structure, was an important part of the town’s history and served as a reminder of the region's role in the coal industry and the expansion of railroads in America.
The Central Railroad of New Jersey ceased operations in the late 1960s, and the station in Jim Thorpe was closed. However, the legacy of the railroad lives on through the preservation of the former CNJ station. Today, the station building is part of the town's tourist attractions, and the area is home to the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, which uses a section of the old Jersey Central tracks to offer scenic train rides to visitors, giving a glimpse into the railroad's historical significance.
Jim Thorpe Today: A Living Tribute to Railroading
Renamed Jim Thorpe in 1954 to honor the legendary Native American athlete, the town has transformed into a destination for history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Its railroad heritage remains a cornerstone of its identity, attracting visitors from across the country.
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Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway: One of the most popular attractions, the scenic railway offers breathtaking train rides through the Lehigh Gorge. Passengers can enjoy vintage coaches pulled by diesel or steam locomotives, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the past.
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The Old Mauch Chunk Train Station: Now a visitors’ center and museum, this historic station showcases artifacts and exhibits detailing the town’s railroad history.
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Gravity Railroad Remnants: While the original gravity railroad no longer operates, remnants of its infrastructure can still be explored, offering a tangible connection to the early days of American railroading.
Why Jim Thorpe’s Railroad History Matters
The story of Jim Thorpe’s railroads is a microcosm of America’s industrial growth and ingenuity. From the groundbreaking gravity railroad to the bustling Lehigh Valley Railroad, the town played a pivotal role in shaping the transportation networks that powered the nation.
Today, Jim Thorpe serves as both a living museum and a vibrant community that honors its past while embracing modern tourism. Visiting Jim Thorpe is more than just a trip to a quaint mountain town—it’s a journey back in time to an era when railroads ruled the landscape and powered America’s progress.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re a rail enthusiast or history lover, Jim Thorpe is a must-visit destination. With its scenic train rides, historical sites, and charming atmosphere, it offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. Make plans to explore this gem in the Poconos and immerse yourself in the legacy of railroading in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.
Our Visit
Tamaqua Railroad Station
On the way to Jim Thorpe, we stopped at Tamaqua to visit the historic railroad station (about 25 mins from Jim Thorpe). The railroad station in Tamaqua, is a historic site that reflects the town's prominent role in the coal and railroad industries during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Tamaqua was strategically located in the heart of the anthracite coal region of eastern Pennsylvania, making it an important transportation hub for coal shipments and passenger travel.
The original Tamaqua Railroad Station was built in 1848 by the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad (P&R), which was one of the major railroads in Pennsylvania. The station was located on the railroad's main line, which connected the coal fields of the Schuylkill Valley with markets in Philadelphia and beyond. It quickly became a vital point for transporting anthracite coal, as well as other freight, including iron and goods produced in the industrialized region. The station also handled passenger traffic, linking Tamaqua to other cities in Pennsylvania.
The station is noted for its architectural style, typically associated with mid-19th-century railroad structures. The building was constructed in a Victorian style, reflecting the period’s fascination with ornate designs and functional elements. Over the years, the station underwent several modifications and renovations, but its basic structure remained a testament to the railroad’s influence on the region.
In the 20th century, as the coal industry began to decline and railroads transitioned to handling less passenger traffic, the Tamaqua station saw a reduction in activity. The station was eventually closed, but its legacy remained a symbol of the town’s historical importance in the coal and railroad industries.
Today, the former Tamaqua Railroad Station is preserved as a historical landmark and is part of the town’s heritage. The station building is often used for educational purposes, offering visitors insight into the history of Tamaqua and its role in the coal and railroad industries. There is a restaurant inside the station called Tamaqua Station Restaurant. The station has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance in both local and regional history.
In addition to its historical value, Tamaqua remains an active part of the modern-day rail network, though it now primarily serves as a reminder of the past rather than a busy transit hub. The station building itself is an important piece of Tamaqua's historical fabric, representing the town’s once-vibrant connection to the Pennsylvania Railroad system and its role in the industrial development of the United States.
There are several historic pieces visible at the Tamaqua station, including a Pennsylvania Power and Light locomotive (Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. 0-6-0F No. 4093).
Number 9 Coal Mine Museum
We visited the Number 9 Coal Mine Museum to learn more about the history of anthracite coal mining in the region.
The Number 9 Coal Mine Museum is located in Lansford, Pennsylvania. The mine itself, known as the Number 9 Mine, was one of the most productive anthracite coal mines in the area and operated for over a century, from its opening in 1855 until it closed in 1972. It is known as the world's longest running anthracite coal mine. A portion of the mine is open for tours.
The museum offers a unique and immersive experience by providing guided tours of the actual mine, which is one of the few deep anthracite coal mines still accessible to the public. Visitors are able to explore the underground tunnels and learn firsthand about the working conditions and the lives of the miners who toiled in these challenging environments. The tours showcase the history of the mine, the tools and equipment used, and the technology that evolved over time in the mining industry.
In addition to the mine tours, the museum houses exhibits that display mining artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of coal mining in the region, the workers' experiences, and the significance of coal to the growth of industrial America. The museum also highlights the contributions of immigrant communities who came to work in the mines, particularly the Eastern European and Italian communities, which were integral to the development of the coal industry in the Lehigh Valley.
The Number 9 Coal Mine Museum provides a valuable historical perspective on the coal industry, offering insight into the hardships and triumphs of those who worked in one of the most important industries in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. You can learn more about the mine here.
During our tour, we learned about a surprising link to Greensburg, PA! The engine used to transport visitors into the mine was actually created in Greensburg by the Greensburg Machine Company. This company designed and produced a variety of industrial engines that were used for mining. The one at Lansford is a 10 ton Greensburg battery locomotive previously used at the Glenburn Colliery. Learn more here!
Don't miss out the historic sign and artifacts outside and right down the street from the museum!
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railroad
We also booked an excursion ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railroad, a must for railfans if you're in the area!
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is a heritage railroad that operates in the scenic Lehigh Gorge State Park, offering visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the area while traveling aboard historic trains. Its history is deeply tied to the region's railroad and industrial past. The excursion leaves from the historic CNJ station.
The railroad's roots trace back to the Lehigh Valley Railroad (LVRR), which was established in the 19th century to transport anthracite coal from the mines in the Lehigh Valley to major cities like New York and Philadelphia. The LVRR operated in the area for many years and played a vital role in the industrial development of Pennsylvania. The railroad followed a route along the Lehigh River through the picturesque Lehigh Gorge, passing by forests, cliffs, and waterfalls.
In the 1970s, after the decline of the coal industry and changes in the railroad industry, the Lehigh Valley Railroad ceased operations in the area. However, the scenic beauty of the Lehigh Gorge and the historical significance of the railroad prompted the establishment of the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. The railroad was revived in the 1980s by the Jim Thorpe and Carbon County Railroad Company and began offering tourist train rides in the early 1990s. This new venture was aimed at preserving the history of the railroad while providing a recreational experience for visitors.
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway operates today as a popular tourist attraction, offering scenic train rides that traverse a portion of the old Lehigh Valley Railroad tracks. The route takes passengers along the Lehigh River and through the stunning Lehigh Gorge State Park, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscape, which is especially beautiful during the fall foliage season.
In addition to the scenic rides, the railway has a collection of vintage railroad cars and locomotives, adding to the historical experience. Passengers can learn about the region's railroad history, the importance of coal mining, and the natural history of the Lehigh Gorge. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway has become a beloved attraction, connecting visitors to the rich history of the area and the legacy of the Lehigh Valley Railroad.
Exploring the Beautiful Downtown
Jim Thorpe's beautiful downtown is perfect for pictures, shopping, and exploring! We parked near the railroad depot and explored the town first in a trolley, then on foot. We enjoyed learning about the area's history on the trolley ride (Jim Thorpe Trolley Rides) and shopping the diverse collection of local businesses and restaurants. The historic architecture and buildings make it feel like you are walking back in time. We stopped by Jim Thorpe's grave to learn more about the famous athlete and his connection to the area.
Trolley Ride
Jim Thorpe's gravesite: Honoring his Legacy
A Final Stop: The Olde Engine Works Antique Market in Stroudsburg
We took a detour on the way home to stop in Stoudsburg and view another piece of industrial history. The Olde Engine Works is a 22,000 sq-ft indoor Antique Market, housed in a restored historic building. The Olde Engine Works began operating as a machine shop in 1903 and continued for nearly another 100 years before closing in 1992. The shop originally build steam hoists and, later, winches for shrimp boats. Today, the Olde Engine Works is a large and varied antique mall featuring over 100 vendors.
Photo and info courtesy of Olde Engine Works.
https://www.oldeengineworks.com/history
We also enjoyed exploring Stroudsburg's historic downtown area, grabbing a quick pizza for dinner before hopping back on I-80 and heading back to Greensburg. We had a fantastic experience in and around Jim Thorpe, and can't wait to return!