Carbon County, Pennsylvania

Carbon County, Pennsylvania, found in the northeastern sector of the state, remains a mostly rural area with two thirds the County designated as State Game and Park Land.  The north and eastern portions of the area lie in the lovely Pocono Mountains.  Scenic rivers and dense forests grace the region and attract visitors through each of its four seasons.  Located only ninety miles from both Philadelphia and New York, Carbon County serves as a peaceful haven from the hectic pace of city living.

Carbon County's population was close to 59,000 according to the 2000 census.  Almost 400 square miles make up the area, which was named for its large deposits of anthracite coal.  During the 1800's, the region flourished with the hey-day of the coal mining industry, and went into decline between 1920 and 1960, as the industry itself receded.  Today, Carbon County begins to grow again in both population and industry, benefiting from the westward movement of the enormous East Coast Metropolitan Area.  The opening of Interstate 78 gives much faster access to the once-remote Poconos, and this lovely and historic region is quickly being discovered.

Carbon County had the first railroad of any large scale built in America, the Switchback Railroad. It opened up the Coal Region of Pennsylvania and became the first successful commercial railroad.  Beginning as a 'gravity' train, the cars rode down the mountains under that force, and were hauled up the inclines by mules.  In 1846, steam engines replaced the mules.  Though mainly used for coal hauling, the Switchback also served as a tourist attraction that rivaled the Niagara Falls area as a place to visit, and offered the first dining car service.  It operated successfully as a tourist attraction for fifty-nine years, but then closed during the Great Depression.  Due to the wildly rolling mountains that the Switchback traveled through, it is known as the inspiration for the modern-day roller coaster.  While there is hope for a complete restoration of the tracks and a comeback of the Switchback Railroad, the lines can still be visited via hiking and biking.

Carbon County was created in 1843, with its county seat being Mauch Chunk, an Indian name meaning Bear Mountain.  In 1954, the town changed the name to Jim Thorpe, in honor of the famous Native American athlete who lies buried there. Today, Jim Thorpe draws mountain-bikers from all around, to train on the many rugged trails that begin in the town.  Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides wonderful boating and fishing opportunities, and the Lehigh River running through the stunning Lehigh River Gorge offers the finest in white-water rafting.  The Gorge contains deeply hewn walls and magnificent rock outcroppings and waterfalls.  Jim Thorpe's historic downtown walking tour is a trip back through history, while its Opera House, art galleries and plethora of monthly festivals celebrate modern life.

Carbon County contains twenty-three other municipalities, each with their own distinct flavor and heritage.  Settled by a mix of German, Irish and Dutch immigrants, the County became the location for the trials and executions of the legendary Molly Maguires, a secret Irish organization that protested the conditions of Pennsylvania coal mines, with executions of their own.

Rich history and picturesque natural beauty holds the key to a prosperous future for Carbon County.

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