From Agricultural Roots to a Thriving Community
Local heritage, historical milestones, and changing landscapes
Mahoning Township is the richest agricultural district in Carbon County, nestled in the county’s west-central region. The township’s name is derived from the Delaware Indian word “Mahonanne,” meaning “a stream flowing near a lick.”
Today, Mahoning spans 24.6 square miles, bordered by Lehighton, Jim Thorpe, Summit Hill, East Penn Township, and the Schuylkill County line. The Mahoning Creek runs east through the township to the Lehigh River, and the area is connected by over 73 miles of roadways — a mix of township and state-maintained routes.
Explore the people, places, and progress that helped shape Mahoning Township, from early farming and industry to education, transportation, and community gathering spaces.
Early settlers worked in lumbering and farming
52 taxable inhabitants and 12 single freemen were listed.
Post offices opened at Centre Square, New Mahoning, and Pleasant Corner.
First school built at Normal Square, predating the State School Law of 1834.
Mahoning Township was created from East Penn Township.
Population reached 1,253.
Lehigh Valley Railroad Company began operating at Packerton.
Lehighton became a borough
Mahoning reduced to its current boundaries.
Lehighton schools were constructed
Packerton and Lehighton no longer part of the Mahoning school district.
Township population rose to 2,501.
Rural free mail delivery began from the Lehighton Post Office.
Asa Packer School was built.
Mahoning Drive-In Theater opened and is still in operation.
Population reached 2,649.
Mahoning Township Elementary School opened.
Joined Lehighton Area School District.
Population reached 2,852.
Population rose to 3,177.
Mahoning Township Municipal Park was dedicated on Memorial Day.
Population hit 3,853.
Population reached 4,198.
Groundbreaking for an addition to Mahoning Elementary School.
Mahoning Valley Cinema opened with eight screens.
Recycling program began.
