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Surrounded
by Natural Beauty
and Rich with Tradition
Located at the base of a steep valley carved by the Lehigh
River, the town of Jim Thorpe combines a rich history with
a growing reputation as a place where residents and visitors
can enjoy the beauty of the mountains while also experiencing
the excitement of visiting the emerging arts community. Many
of the artists who have settled in Jim Thorpe have opened
galleries and studios, most within walking distance of one
another.
The town's reputation for beauty extends to its Victorian
architectural tradition, and several of the town's bed and
breakfasts are located in historic houses. Visitors can view
spectacular homes that were built by some of the wealthiest
men of the 19th century simply by taking a leisurely stroll
through town, while those looking for adventure can go rafting
in the Lehigh River Gorge or mountain biking on one of many
local trails. Jim Thorpe is located in the West Poconos, about
2 hours from NYC, and 1 1/2 hours from Philadelphia.
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How
the Town Became Known
as
Jim Thorpe
Most visitors to Jim Thorpe want to know how the town came
by its name. When the great Native American
athlete died in Philadelphia in 1953, his wife, despondent
that Thorpe's native state of Oklahoma did not see fit to
honor one of its most famous sons with a decent memorial,
read a story in a Pennsylvania newspaper about a small town
called Mauch Chunk ("Bear Mountain" in the language
of the Lenne Lenapi Indians.) Struggling to survive the crushing
decline of the coal industry, the residents of Mauch Chunk
had taken up a collection in order to undertake some kind
of civic project that might improve the town's fortunes.
Mrs. Thorpe contacted Joe Boyle, who was the editor of a local
newspaper as well the civic leader who had spearheaded the
fund, and together they came up with a unique idea. The town
of Mauch Chunk would merge with its neighbor across the River,
East Mauch Chunk, and change its name to Jim Thorpe. This
would provide a proper memorial to Jim Thorpe while helping
to transform the town into a tourist destination.
Jim Thorpe's memorial is located on a quiet hillside on the
east side of town. Visitors can view an interpretive display
about the life and achievements of Jim
Thorpe while also enjoying a fine view of the town and
the surrounding valley.
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