The Harry Packer home (on Packer Hill) is a magnificent Victorian mansion built in the mid-19^th century. The mansion was a wedding gift to Harry and his bride from his father, railroad millionaire Asa Packer. The 18-room structure boasts central heat and running water in the bathrooms, something only the very wealthy could afford at that time. Interestingly, the design of Disney World's Haunted Mansion was partially influenced by the Harry Packer Mansion. The Asa Packer Mansion is also located in Jim Thorpe. The 20-room home, overlooking the downtown area, has been remarkably well preserved.

Those fascinated by stories about the Molly Maguires will definitely want to visit the Old Jail Museum (128 West Broadway), built into the side of a mountain. Legend has it that the famous Irish coal miners, convicted of murdering two of their bosses, were housed in this building that resembles an ancient castle. The immigrants fought for better conditions in the mines and swore to their deaths that they were framed by none other than Asa Packer and some of the owners of the coal mines. Alexander Campbell, John Donohue, Michael Doyle, and Edward Kelly were executed at the jail's gallows on Black Thursday, June 21, 1877. Moments before his death, Campbell placed his hand on the wall of Cell 17, and willed that his handprint always be visible, a true sign of his innocence. That eerie handprint can be seen by visitors to this day, even though there have been many attempts to remove it from the wall. All of the brave Irishmen dubbed the Molly Maguires have gone down in history as being largely responsible for the birth of organized labor in this country.

The Carbon County Court House (near the Asa Packer Mansion) is also woven into the historic tapestry of the Molly Maguires. The main courtroom was shown in the Hollywood production of this story that depicted the hardships the now-famous miners endured. The movie, appropriately titled The Molly Maguires featuring actor Richard Harris, continues to appear on various cable movie channels.

Many other sites in Jim Thorpe are certainly worth visiting, including the Mauch Chunk Opera House, St. Mark's Episcopal Church (that proudly displays Tiffany windows), and the Switch Back Gravity Railroad.

Of course, everywhere you go, there are reminders of the man who many considered to be the greatest athlete in the world: Jim Thorpe.

DIRECTIONS: Motorists interested in visiting Jim Thorpe should take the PA Turnpike's Northeastern Extension (I-476) exiting at the Mahoning Valley Interchange (#34). At the interchange, follow signs for Route 209-South. Jim Thorpe is approximately six miles from the Turnpike. For further information, call the Jim Thorpe Chamber of Commerce at 570-325-3673.

RICH IN HISTORY— Jim Thorpe’s "Old Jail Museum," located at 128 West Broadway, is just one example of this town’s historical heritage. The unique lockup, which is built into the side of a mountain, resembles an ancient castle.