Carbon County was created on March 13, 1843, from parts of Northampton and Monroe Counties. Its name alludes to its deposits of anthracite coal. Jim Thorpe, the county seat, was originally incorporated on January 26, 1850, as the borough of Mauch Chunk, an Indian name meaning "bear mountain." It was renamed in 1954 for the famous Indian athlete, who is buried there.

Carbon County was the home of the first railroad in America that was built on any large scale. The "Switchback" railroad, as it came to be known in its glory days, was originally designed to carry coal. The Switchback led a long an active life, first as a coal carrier and then as solely a tourist attraction. In the 1930's, the railroad carried its last passengers.

From its earliest days as a frontier town in the first decades of the 1800's, Jim Thorpe has drawn visitors from all walks of life. Artists, writers, enterprising entrepreneurs, touring parties, travellers and famous people have discovered the enchantment of Old Mauch Chunk.

The Lehigh River, one of the finest and most popular whitewater rafting rivers in the East, winds through the heart of Carbon County. Whitewater season runs from early spring through June and then again in the fall. The month of June sees an explosion of the soft white petals of the mountain laurel, Pennsylvania's state flower. Summertime means outdoor recreation and a wide array of activities from sightseeing and train rides to mountain biking and water-skiing. This is the season for festivals, fairs and flea markets. For historic house tours and horseback riding. For swimming, boating or picnicking or just plain relaxing at one of the many state and county parks.

Autumn brings the changing of the seasons. This is the season of Oktoborfests and Arts & Crafts Fairs, of flaming foliage excursions by train and flaming foliage festivals.

Whatever the season, there is something for everyone in Carbon County.