Mauch Chunk and Environs

Mauch Chunk, located in Carbon County surrounded by mountain ridges, was originally founded in 1818 and soon thrived due to rich deposits of anthracite coal found in the area.  The town became a major shipping point for anthracite coal bound for Philadelphia and New York markets via canal boats.  The major coal deposits were located to the west above the town.  As roads were primitive and wagon transport not cost effective, a gravity railroad was built from Summit Hill to Mauch Chunk (12 miles).  Loaded cars were coasted downhill via rail all the way to the coal loading chutes on the Lehigh Canal at Mauch Chunk and mules then used to tow the empty cars back to Summit Hill for re-loading.  As technology and innovation advanced two inclined planes were built on a return track that allowed cars to be towed up the inclines by cable and then coasted using downhill slopes to reach Summit Hill thus eliminating the need for mules.

Mauch Chunk was also often referred to as the “Switzerland of America” due to its many mountain ridges and scenic vistas.  The town soon became a tourist mecca and the inclined railway did double duty as a tourist ride attraction.  Often called America’s first roller coaster, the cars with brakes and a conductor, reached an unheard of speed of 60 mph on its final downhill run providing the thrill of a lifetime for tourists used to moving at the speed of a horse or wagon on a primitive road or trail.  The coming of railroads in the area eventually spelled the end of the inclined railway for coal transport but the tourist use survived another half century before total abandonment.

By the dawn of the 20th century Mauch Chunk and its inclined railway had become the second biggest tourist draw in the United States behind only Niagara Falls.  The whole Mauch Chunk area is well documented on postcards with the majority showing various aspects of the operation of the inclined railway.  Following is a checklist not yet complete of postcards up through the mid-1950s when Mauch Chunk was renamed Jim Thorpe in honor of the great native American athlete who had passed away in 1953.   Included in my checklist are postcards of nearby Glen Onoko, Bear Mountain, and Flagstaff Park as well as Summit Hill and its famous burning mines (underground mine fires).

Additions and corrections to the checklist are always welcome.  Please include imprint title, era, publisher and production or series number in your email.