Jim Thorpe in Carbon County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Self Made Man
1805 - 1879
| | Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor | |
Photographed by Kevin W., June 20, 2010
1. The Self Made Man Marker
" there is no distinction to which any young man may not aspier, and with energy, diligence, intelligence, and virtue, obtain."
From Asa Packer's 1867 biography
"The Rich Men of the World and How they Gained their Wealth"
Born to humble beginnings, Asa Packer came here from Mystic, Connecticut. Packer's successful ventures in canal boat building, farming and running a general store provided the money to build the Lehigh Valley Railroad.
Mr. Packer's interest in his fellowman's well being led him into politics and public service. He served as Carbon County judge for five years. Later, he served in the Pennsylvania State Legislature and two terms as United States Congressman. At the Democratic National Convention of 1868, Packer stood proud as a presidential nominee. During his 74 years, Packer gave millions of dollars to charitable causes. His single greatest act of generosity founded Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. The Packer children continued his legacy building hospitals, schools, churchs, and fire companies throughout the area and beyond.
In 1912, with the death of Mr. Packer's last child, Mary Packer
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Lehigh Canal, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 40° 51.859′ N, 75° 44.286′ W. Marker is in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, in Carbon County. It is on Packer Hill Road west of East Calawissa Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Packer Hill Road, Jim Thorpe PA 18229, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Coal Region and in the Pocono Mountains. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois)
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 20, 2024
2. The Self Made Man Marker
The marker has weathered but remains readable.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Asa Packer Mansion (a few steps from this marker); View his Life from his Home (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Asa Packer Mansion (a few steps from this marker); Mauch Chunk World War II Honor Roll (within shouting distance of this marker); The Soldiers and Sailors Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Carbon County (within shouting distance of this marker); Dam Across Mauch Chunk Creek (within shouting distance of this marker); Molly Maguire Film (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jim Thorpe.
Also see . . . Asa Packer at FindAGrave.com. (Submitted on July 14, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed by Kevin W., June 20, 2010
3. National Historic Landmark plaque and The Self Made Man Marker
Photographed by Kevin W., June 20, 2010
4. The Asa Packer Mansion
Photographed by Kevin W., June 20, 2010
5. The Harry Packer Mansion, next door
Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2010, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,847 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 25, 2010, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on July 24, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 25, 2010, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
