Happy 200th Birthday, Stroudsburg!
February 02 , 2015
The Borough of Stroudsburg’s history began in 1730 as Peter LaBar established his homestead, a log cabin, on the corner of present-day Main and Ninth Streets. Unfortunately, the log cabin is no longer standing. It was not until decades later, when Jacob Stroud purchased land in the area, that Stroudsburg emerged as a developed town. Read More...
Fort Penn played important role in local history
February 02 , 2013
In 1775, Jacob Stroud, a military veteran of the French and Indian War, was placed in charge of the Lower Smithfield Military Company. He began this post at the rank of captain and was ultimately promoted to colonel. One year later, Stroud was ordered by the executive council to build a stockade around his stone home. This fortified structure, which became part of Jacob Stroud’s command, was called Fort Penn. Read More...
Jacob Stroud: His likeness in famous painting?
June 06 , 2012
The name Jacob Stroud is well-known in Monroe County. Most citizens know that the town of Stroudsburg, which bears his name, was founded by this man. What no one knows, however, is what Jacob Stroud looked like. There are no known paintings, sketches, silhouettes, or drawings that directly depict Jacob Stroud, a surprising fact since Stroud was such an important figure in the development of the area. But there may be a painting in which Jacob Stroud can be incidentally found. Read More...
Converted Quaker Builds Faith in 1800s
November 11 , 2007
The Society of Friends, also known as Quakers, played an influential role in Monroe County’s history. The Quaker presence in Monroe County had its beginnings in Stroudsburg in the early 1800s. Read More...
Tanning Hides Once Big Business
September 09 , 2007
The tanning industry has been a part of Monroe County’s history since the early 1800s. Because of the rich supply of both hemlock and oak trees, tanning became an important part of the area’s economy. Monroe County residents would often take their animal skins to local tanners to be turned into workable leather ready for market. While many area tanneries were very small and served the local community, some worked as large-scale businesses, producing leather for the national market. Read More...
History of Local Temperance Movement
August 08 , 2007
As early as the 1830s, Monroe County citizens became concerned with the effects of alcohol on the community. Public drunkenness and disorderly conduct were becoming more prominent. The Monroe County Temperance Union was founded in 1836 with Daniel Stroud serving as the organization’s leader. Under Stroud’s administration, the Temperance movement grew to 316 members in two years. Read More...