Jim Thorpe Grave
Joe Boyle Circle & North Street
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229How the remains of one of America's greatest athletes ended up in a town in the Poconos is as interesting as the story of Jim Thorpe's life.
Born in 1888 on Native American territory (later becoming Oklahoma), Thorpe became an incredible athlete, winning medals in the 1912 Olympics, and going on to play professional football and baseball. When he died in 1953, his wife tried to have the state of Oklahoma erect a monument in her late husband's honor. However, the state refused to spend the money, and she looked elsewhere to have a monument erected. In exchange for Thorpe's remains, the town of Mauch Chunk offered to rename the town and erect a monument to the late athlete.
Visitors today can visit the large stone crypt and surrounding memorial park in the town Thorpe may never have actually visited in his lifetime.
Recommended Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults, Seniors