Jim Thorpe is located at the foot of the Pocono Mountains. It has a history rich in tradition, ranging from the beginning of the coal mining era in Pennsylvania, through the Industrial Revolution to its present-day rebirth as a tourist attraction.
This Italianate Villa, built in 1860, was the home of philanthropist and railroad magnate Asa Packer. The interior remains almost the same with the original furnishings, paintings and woodcarvings. The exterior changed from the original with the addition of a wrap around porch in 1878.
Hours:
April 1 to May 29: 11am-4pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
May 30 to October 31: 11am-4pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
The Harry Packer Mansion has 15 foot ceilings, gilded mirrors and is furnished in period. The mansion operates as a Bed and Breakfast and also hosts Murder Mystery Weekends.
The Old Jail Museum, built in 1871, resembles an ancient castle. It was in use until 1995, and according to legend the famous Irish coal miners, convicted of murdering two of their bosses, were housed here. The seven miners were known as the Molly Maguires.
The miners fought for better conditions in the mines and swore, even on their death beds, that they were framed by none other than Asa Packer. There is a mysterious handprint on a cell wall of a man declaring innocence.
Hours:
May 31 to September 5: 12pm-4:30pm
September 7 to October 31: 12pm-4:30pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri