FACTS ABOUT CARBON COUNTY...

Carbon County is well known for it’s anthracite coal which was discovered in 1791 by Philip Ginder. America’s First Railroad…The Switchback railroad, was built in 1827 by Josiah White. Originally designed to carry coal, the Switchback ran for nine miles from Summit Hill to Mauch Chunk (known today as Jim Thorpe), then onto the Lehigh Canal where coal was transferred onto boats. The extraordinary aspect of the Switchback was that it ran solely on gravity. Owners recognized another market…the American tourist. Eventually, thousands of people began plummeting down the mountainside at a speed of 65 miles per hour on the Switchback…the world’s first roller coaster.

There are many things to see and do in Carbon County which serves as the Gateway to the Poconos. In the County Seat, Jim Thorpe, you can visit the Old Carbon County Jail, Asa Packer Mansion, Harry Packer Mansion, St. Marks Church, Glen Onoko Falls to name a few.

The many recreation areas include Francis E. Walter National Recreation Area, Hickory Run State Park, Lehigh Gorge State Park, Beltzville State Park and Mauch Chunk Lake Park.

Some of the seasonal adventures you can take part in are mountain biking, hiking, whitewater rafting down the Lehigh River, swimming, boating, camping, and skiing.

So, as you can see, Carbon County has something for everyone!

ANNUAL REPORT

2009 Annual Report (pdf) - entire report

The following directory is the above Annual Report broken down by program areas (all are in pdf format):

• 2009 Annual Report Office, Staff and Board of Directors
• Message from County Extension Director
• Message from Board President
• Family and Social Well-Being
• Community and Economic Well-Being
• Leadership, Personal Skills and Self Esteem
• Agriculture Competitiveness and Profitability