Road Tripping PA: Carbon County

There's something depressing about Carbon County, Pennsylvania.  Perhaps it's the abandoned coal breakers, or the shuttered storefronts, or the stagnant coal-based economy which has left once vibrant communities in various states of deterioration.

Whatever the reason for the feeling of gloom surrounding Northeastern PA, it was a seriously interesting history lesson on the roots of our country. Once home to some of the richest merchants in the United States, Carbon County was the center of the coal boom- breathing life into our rapidly growing country.  Now, with natural gas replacing coal, only a few towns have escaped the collapse of the local economy.

Check out our 7 picture tour below, featuring sites from Hellertown, Jim Thorpe, Lansford and some places in between.