Historic Fortress. Mysterious Handprint.
Step inside the 1870 Carbon County Jail where the legendary Molly Maguires awaited their fate
Tours & Tickets
Guided tours of our historic 150-year-old fortress
27 Original Cells
See how prisoners lived in this historic county jail until 1995
The Mysterious Handprint
Witness Cell #17's infamous handprint that has defied all attempts to remove it
Eerie Dungeon
Explore the basement cells used for solitary confinement until 1980
Tour Pricing
Tour Information
- Tours last approximately 30-35 minutes
- Guided tours only - no self-guided options
- Tickets must be purchased in person
- Cash appreciated
- No pets allowed (service animals only)
The Old Jail is privately owned and operated. Your tour purchase helps restore our historic 150-year-old building!
Book Your Tour
Tour Schedule
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: Tours at 12PM & 1:30PM (Reservations recommended)
- Friday: Tours at 12PM, 1:30PM & 3PM
- Saturday & Sunday: Tours every 20-30 minutes from 12PM to 4PM
- Wednesday: Closed
Important Notes
- Tours accommodate 25-30 guests per tour
- Tickets must be purchased in person on the day of your visit
- Weekend tickets may be purchased for a later time the same day
- Tours may sell out early on weekends - arrive before 3PM
- During summer (mid-June), weekday tours run every 20 minutes
Accessibility Information
Our historic 150-year-old building has limited accessibility:
- All entrances require navigating steps
- The main cell block (including Cell #17 with the handprint) requires steps to access
- The second floor and dungeon are only accessible by stairs
- Staff can hold doors but cannot provide physical assistance
A back entrance with fewer steps is available - please inquire when you arrive. For visitors unable to enter, we can provide a video presentation outside during fair weather.
History
The fascinating story of The Old Jail and the Molly Maguires
Built in 1869-1870 by Harry Bowman (under architect Edward Haviland), the Old Jail stands as a formidable fortress in the heart of Jim Thorpe (formerly Mauch Chunk). This magnificent two-story stone structure with its massive walls and square guard turret served as Carbon County's prison until 1995.
Containing 27 cells and basement dungeon cells (used for solitary confinement until 1980), the building also housed the warden's living quarters. For many years, the warden's wife cooked for both her family and the prisoners using the same kitchen.
The Molly Maguires
The Old Jail is best known for its connection to the Molly Maguires, a secret society of Irish coal miners who fought against the oppressive working conditions in Pennsylvania's anthracite coal fields during the 1870s.
During this time, miners faced dangerous working conditions, low wages, and discrimination. The Molly Maguires, originally an Irish vigilante group, emerged as advocates for miners' rights, though their methods—which allegedly included violence against mine bosses and sabotage—remain controversial to this day.
Controversial Trials
The trials of the Molly Maguires were highly controversial. Franklin B. Gowen, president of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad and Coal and Iron Company, hired the Pinkerton Detective Agency to infiltrate the group. James McParland, a Pinkerton detective, went undercover and gathered evidence that led to numerous arrests.
Many historians now believe that the trials were deeply unfair. As one Carbon County judge later noted: "The Molly Maguire trials were a surrender of state sovereignty. A private corporation initiated the investigation through a private detective agency. A private police force arrested the alleged defenders, and private attorneys for the coal companies prosecuted them. The state provided only the courtroom and the gallows."
The Day of the Rope
June 21, 1877, known as "The Day of the Rope," saw the hanging of four men at the Old Jail: Alexander Campbell, Edward Kelly, Michael Doyle, and John Donohue. Three more men—Thomas P. Fisher, James McDonnell, and Charles Sharp—were hanged on the same gallows in 1878 and 1879.
The executions took place in the jail's cell block on gallows specially constructed for the occasion. Miners arrived with their families from surrounding areas, walking through the night to pay tribute to the condemned men.
The Mysterious Handprint
Before his execution, one of the condemned men (believed to be Alexander Campbell) placed his hand on the dirty cell floor and then firmly pressed it against the wall of Cell #17, declaring: "This handprint will remain as proof of my innocence."
Remarkably, despite numerous attempts to remove it—including washing, painting, and even rebuilding parts of the wall—the handprint remains visible to this day. While originally thought to be Alexander Campbell's, some research suggests it may have been Thomas Fisher's handprint.
This enduring mark has become one of the jail's most famous and mysterious features, drawing visitors from around the world who wish to witness this unexplained phenomenon.
Historical Recognition
The Carbon County Jail was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 8, 1974, recognizing its architectural and historical significance. It is located in the Old Mauch Chunk Historic District.
In recent years, the Pennsylvania legislature has acknowledged the controversial nature of the Molly Maguire trials. Both the House (Resolution No. 527, Session of 2005) and Senate (Resolution No. 235, Session of 2006) passed resolutions asserting that the trials were "inherently unconstitutional."
Preservation as a Museum
When Carbon County built a new correctional facility in 1995, local residents Thomas and Betty Lou McBride purchased this historic building for $160,000 to preserve its rich history.
Today, the McBride family continues to maintain and operate the Old Jail as a museum, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past. Guided tours take you through the cells, including the famous Cell #17 with its mysterious handprint, and share the compelling stories of those who were imprisoned here.
Meet the McBride Family
The Old Jail Museum is owned and operated by the McBride family, who are dedicated to preserving this important piece of history for future generations.
- Betty Lou McBride
- Thomas McBride
- Blaine Dart
Betty Lou McBride
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1995
Thomas McBride
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1995
Blaine Dart
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2018
"The handprint I leave will remain forever as proof of my innocence." — Alexander Campbell, before his execution on June 21, 1877
A Legacy That Lives On
The story of the Old Jail and the Molly Maguires continues to captivate historians and visitors alike. Whether they were dangerous criminals or martyrs to the labor movement remains debated, but their legacy lives on in the walls of this historic building.
Our guided tours provide a detailed account of this fascinating chapter in American history, including the working conditions that led to labor unrest, the controversial trials, and the enduring mystery of the handprint that refuses to disappear.
Visit Us
Plan your trip to The Old Jail Museum
Discover Jim Thorpe, PA
Our beautiful town of Jim Thorpe, PA is nestled between the mountains & Lehigh River. You will think you stepped back in time as you stroll our quaint streets lined with Victorian Architecture. Our beautifully restored buildings are filled with about 40 specialized shops, antique stores, & delicious eateries... all within walking distance... all small family owned businesses!
Jim Thorpe, PA (formally named Mauch Chunk) is filled with coal mining and railroad history. Mauch Chunk, PA was the place that fueled the Industrial Revolution! And, Mauch Chunk was the location of the first roller coaster in the United States!
128 West Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Click on the map marker for directions via Google Maps
Lost? Call us at (570) 325-5259 and we'll tell you how to get to jail.
Finding Us
- We're located in historic downtown Jim Thorpe, PA, 5 walkable blocks from the Train Station.
- If approaching from Rt 903: On weekends you cannot turn left into the County Lot. Make the first right then turn left at the light to get to the lot.
- Nearby Landmarks: Look for the Court House with the clock. The jail is 5 blocks from there.
Parking Information
- You may park at a meter or in the County Lot & walk to the jail
- We're 5 blocks from the Train Station & Court House (with the clock)
- County Parking Lot is behind the train station (off Rt 209)
- NOTE: Street parking is by permit only ($50 ticket for violations)
Handicapped Parking: We have a SMALL parking lot reserved for visitors with Handicapped/Disabled plates or tag holders, located up the driveway of the jail. This lot cannot accommodate extra large vehicles, campers, extended pick-ups, or vehicles with trailers/large bike racks.
Nearby Attractions
Within Walking Distance
- Asa Packer Mansion: Opulent 19th-century home of railroad magnate with Victorian furnishings
- Harry Packer Mansion: Inspired Disney World's Haunted Mansion
- Mauch Chunk Opera House: Historic theater hosting live performances
- Mauch Chunk Museum
- St. Mark's Church
- The Treasure Shop ~ 44 Broadway: Our family's other business! www.PeggysTreasureShop.com
Short Drive Away
- Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway: Vintage train ride through the picturesque Lehigh Gorge
- Lehigh Gorge State Park: Perfect for hiking, biking, and whitewater rafting
- Switchback Railroad Trail: Historic rail trail with panoramic views
- Mauch Chunk Lake Park: Swimming, fishing, and picnicking spot
- No. 9 Coal Mine - 9 Dock St., Lansford, PA (20 minute drive)
- Eckley Miners' Village - 2 Eckley Main Street, Weatherly, PA 18255
Nearby Accommodations
- Inn at Jim Thorpe - Hotel
- The Y on Broadway - Hotel
- Rosemary's Remembrances II - B&B
- Times House - B&B
- Guilded Cupid - B&B
- The Parsonage - B&B
- The Dolan House - B&B
- Mahoning Drive-In Theater: Classic films under the stars at this nostalgic drive-in
Shop
Take home a piece of history
Contact Us
Questions? We're here to help
Our Location
128 West Broadway
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
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Business Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 12PM - 3PM
Friday - Sunday: 12PM - 4PM
Wednesday: Closed