Jim Thorpe in Pennsylvania (also known as Mauch Chunk; - which means Bear Place) is a beautiful historically enriched area at the Pocono Mountains in Carbon County.
If you're passing by the area along Broadway St., you won't miss the Old Jail Museum at W. Broadway. If you see a resemblance of a fortress standing guard over the town, with a beautiful 2-storey stone structure, that's the Old Jail Museum.
the dungeon at the museum |
This museum is worth visiting due to its very interesting history as early as in the 18th century where seven Irish coal miners known as Molly Maguires were hanged on the 21st of June 1877, then another man on March 28, 1878 was hanged. The last two men were hanged on the same gallows on January 14, 1879.
the gallows where the Maguires were hanged |
Historians believed that most of the condemned men were innocent. The men proclaimed their innocence as well before they were hanged. One of the man who was hanged, - Alexander Campbell placed his handprint on the wall of his cell to prove he was innocent. They called it as a mysterious print because no matter how they tried to eradicate the print by washing, repainting or replastering it, the handprint is still clearly visible. Today, that handprint is still visible today at cell#17. Take note that NO photos are allowed at cell#17. If you want a photo of the handprint, they sell it at the gift shop!
Tour schedules are available on their website including ghost tours if you are interested.