The Rich History of the Poconos
The First Inhabitants of the Area
The Pocono Mountains region was once home to the Lenni Lenape, the first inhabitants of the area who settled there over 10,000 years ago. The name "Lenni Lenape" translates to "the original peoples" in their native language and the Lenni Lenape nation was comprised of three clans: Wolf, Turtle, and Turkey. The Lenape lived in democratic family units and relied on their environment for sustenance through hunting, fishing, and agriculture. Women and children performed domestic tasks while men were responsible for hunting, fishing, and construction. The Lenape's history is largely passed down through storytelling and limited written descriptions by European settlers. Archaeological excavations, such as the Shawnee-Minisink site, provide insight into their lifeways, including their use of stone tools, pottery, hearths, burial grounds, and more.
The Rise of the Resort Industry
The First Boarding House Hotel
The first boarding house hotel was established in 1829 by Anthony Dutot near the Delaware Water Gap, marking the beginning of the successful resort industry in the Pocono Mountains region. This boarding house hotel was one of the earliest forms of hospitality in the area, offering lodging and meals to travelers. The establishment of the first boarding house hotel in the area set the stage for the growth and development of the Pocono Mountains resort industry, which continues to thrive and evolve to this day.
Aerial view of the Delware Water Gap area with New Jersey on the left and Pennsylvania and the Poconos on the right.
The Popularity of the Pocono Mountains as a Vacation Destination
By 1900, as cities like Philadelphia and New York grew and became more industrialized, many city dwellers sought respite in the country during the summer months. The Pocono Mountains, with its scenic beauty and cool mountain air, provided the perfect escape from the heat and pollution of the cities.
The Thriving Coal Industry
The coal industry was a thriving part of the Pocono Mountains region in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The discovery of how to ignite and burn Anthracite coal as an energy source by Josiah White in 1818 led to the establishment of Jim Thorpe and the growth of the industry in the area. The Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company, founded in 1820, played a major role in the industry, mining and shipping coal to cities all over the East Coast. The Honesdale area in Pike County was also an important part of the industry, as it was home to the first steam locomotive to run on US commercial tracks in 1829. The coal industry had a significant impact on the economy and development of the Pocono Mountains region, and it remains a part of the area's rich history.
The Father of the Conservation Movement
Gifford Pinchot, a resident of Milford in Pike County, was a renowned figure in the history of conservation. He was the first Chief of the US Forest Service under President Teddy Roosevelt, and his efforts to promote sustainable forest management and wise use of natural resources helped lay the foundation for modern conservation principles. Under his leadership, the US Forest Service was established to manage and protect public lands, and he was instrumental in the creation of the National Park Service. Pinchot's vision and dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the land earned him the nickname "Father of the Conservation Movement." His home in Milford, now known as Grey Towers National Landmark, is a testament to his legacy and houses the Pinchot Institute for Conservation Studies, which continues to advance his work and promote conservation education and research.
The Expansion of the Pocono Mountains as a Tourist Destination
The Construction of Lake Wallenpaupack
The construction of Lake Wallenpaupack in the Pocono Mountains region was initiated by the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company (now PPL Electric Utilities, Inc.) in 1926. The lake was built as a source of hydroelectric power and as a recreational area for the public. The construction of the dam and the filling of the lake took several years, but when completed, Lake Wallenpaupack became the third-largest man-made lake in Pennsylvania. The lake is over 13 miles long and has 52 miles of shoreline, making it a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other water sports. The lake also attracts visitors with its scenic beauty, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The construction of Lake Wallenpaupack not only provided a source of hydroelectric power, but also contributed to the development of the Pocono Mountains region as a popular tourist destination.
The Lake Wallenpaupack dam photographed shortly after it’s creation.
World War II and the Romantic Appeal of the Pocono Mountains
During World War II, many soldiers and their families took leave in the Pocono Mountains. This influx of visitors led to the area becoming known for its romantic appeal, and many soldiers and their brides returned after the war as honeymooners. This sparked a trend and in 1945, the first honeymoon resort, The Farm on the Hill, was opened. The Pocono Mountains quickly became a popular destination for newlyweds, with scenic views, serene lakes, and lush forests providing a perfect backdrop for the start of their new lives together.
The Rise of the Pocono Mountains as a Ski Destination
The Pocono Mountains have a long history of being a popular vacation destination, but it wasn't until the mid-20th century that the area became a popular ski destination as well. The first commercial ski area in Pennsylvania opened in the Pocono Mountains in 1946, attracting local skiers and winter sports enthusiasts. With the advent of interstates 80 and 81 in the late 1950s and 1960s, the Pocono Mountains became more accessible by car, which made it easier for visitors from other areas to experience the winter sports opportunities available in the region.
The ski industry in the Pocono Mountains continued to thrive throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with new ski areas opening and more visitors coming to the area to enjoy the slopes. The region's close proximity to major metropolitan areas in the East, such as Philadelphia and New York, and its scenic beauty, made it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Today, the Pocono Mountains are still one of the most popular ski destinations in the eastern United States, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding experiences for visitors of all ages and skill levels.
The Popularity of Family-Owned Resorts
Family-owned resorts became popular in the Pocono Mountains during the 20th century, attracting families looking for summer vacations. They offered a more personal and intimate atmosphere compared to large commercial hotels. With a focus on families, these resorts often had a range of activities and amenities such as swimming pools, lakes for fishing, hiking trails, and children's programs. These activities aimed to provide families with an enjoyable and memorable vacation experience, making family-owned resorts a popular destination for generations of families.
The Pocono Mountains as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World"
The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania rose to fame in the mid-20th century as a popular honeymoon destination, earning the title of "Honeymoon Capital of the World." This popularity was largely due to the introduction of heart-shaped bathtubs at Caesars Cove Haven Resort in Lakeville, Pennsylvania in 1963. The unique and romantic concept quickly caught on and became a staple at other resorts in the area, solidifying the Pocono Mountains' reputation as a premier destination for newlyweds. The region offered a picturesque setting, complete with rolling hills, lush forests, and tranquil lakes, providing the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway. The resorts in the Pocono Mountains also offered a range of activities and amenities, from romantic dinners and couples massages to outdoor adventure and scenic drives, making it a popular choice for newlyweds looking to start their lives together. To this day, the Pocono Mountains continues to attract couples from all over the world, seeking a romantic escape and a chance to create lasting memories.
The Expansion with Pocono International Raceway
The expansion of the Pocono Mountains as a tourist destination received a significant boost with the opening of the Pocono International Raceway in 1971. The raceway, with its 2.5-mile speedway, quickly became a popular venue for both Indy car and NASCAR races. The introduction of the raceway brought a new level of excitement and activity to the area and helped to establish the Pocono Mountains as a premier destination for motorsports fans. The popularity of the raceway, combined with the continued growth of the region's attractions and amenities, made the Pocono Mountains an increasingly desirable vacation spot throughout the 1980s and beyond. The area continues to attract visitors from all over the world, providing them with a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, scenic beauty, and exciting entertainment options.
