Carbon County Jail - Jim Thorpe PA - Retired Prisons on Waymarking.com

Long Description:
The Carbon County Jail, built in 1870, became a center of attention in 1875 when a group of Irish coal miners were held and then hanged, convicted of the murder of some mine officials. Irish immigrants at the time were subject to economic and social discrimination and the town of Mauch Chunk, now known as Jim Thorpe, became a hotbed of unrest against the wealthy mine owners and railroad men. Most of the miners turned to fraternal and labor organizations to work for better conditions, but a small number took to violent action. This group was called the Molly Maguires after a notable Irish widow who led anti-landlord protests in their former homeland. During the 1860's and 1870's, 16 men were assassinated in their violent campaign.
The mining interests hired James McParlan of the famed Pinkerton detective agency to gather evidence and as a result of his investigation many suspect Molly Maguires were arrested. Sensational trials were held in Pottsville and Mauch Chunk that led to convictions. Twenty men were executed and 19 received prison sentences. Seven of these convicted men were hanged here in the Carbon County Jail.
The trials were known to have been patently unfair -- Irish Catholics could not serve on juries, the prosecutors worked for the coal mines and railroads, and some jury members could not speak English. The incendiary press coverage added to the sensationalism. Innocent men may have been convicted. The Molly Maguires were crushed but their name and reputation became linked with and set back the organized mine labor movement for many years.

Museum website: (visit link)

Address: 128 W. Broadway Jim Thorpe, PA USA 18229 Open to the public: Yes Hours: REGULAR TOURS Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day (Closed Wednesdays) September & October weekends only Hours: 12:00 to last tour at 4:30 p.m. Ghost Tours in October Fees?: Adults ~ $5 Students/Seniors over 65 ~ $4 Children 6-12 ~ $3

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