Nestled at the meeting point of Route 940 and Route 115, Blakeslee is more than just a crossroad in the Poconos—it’s a neighborhood layered with the stories of families, travelers, local businesses, and the ever-changing woods that surround it. For those of us who call Blakeslee home, or even just pass through seasonally, there’s something timeless in its small-town charm. From its founding roots to its role as a gateway to the wider Pocono region, Blakeslee’s history is woven into every landmark, old homestead, and winding road.
The Origins of Blakeslee: From Wilderness to Community
Blakeslee’s story begins in the mid-19th century, a time when Monroe County was shaped by dense forests and wild streams. The area—now known as Blakeslee—was largely wilderness crisscrossed by indigenous Lenape trails. European settlers began to trickle in during the first decades of the 1800s, attracted by timber, fertile land, and opportunity in the growing Pennsylvania frontier.
The neighborhood takes its name from Jacob Blakeslee, an early settler who established a homestead here around the 1840s. Jacob Blakeslee was a practical man—a farmer, hunter, and the local blacksmith—whose unassuming home formed the nucleus of what would gradually become a village. Over time, as more families arrived and roads were carved through thick woods, “Blakeslee” became an anchor of familiarity in the region.
How Blakeslee Got Its Name
The Blakeslee family is believed to have roots in New England, tracing back to Puritan stock. As with many places in the Poconos, the name stuck to the crossroads that developed where Jacob and his kin laid claim. Local legend says that early maps simply identified the area as “Blakeslee’s Place,” which quickly shortened to “Blakeslee” as horses and wagons gave way to more permanent roads.
By the late 19th century, Blakeslee had become significant enough to warrant its own post office. Local merchants and travelers found it simpler to refer to this waystation by the family name, and so it remains on envelopes and road signs to this day.
Key Historical Milestones
Blakeslee may be small, but its role in Monroe County’s growth can’t be underestimated. Some key milestones that have shaped this neighborhood include:
- Establishment of the Blakeslee United Methodist Church (1887): For over a century, the simple white structure on Route 940 has served not just as a place of worship, but as a gathering place for the whole community.
- Blakeslee Corners: The intersection of Route 940 and Route 115, known locally as Blakeslee Corners, has long been the commercial and social heart of the neighborhood. The gas stations, diners, and local shops that line this spot have welcomed generations of travelers headed to Lake Harmony, Jack Frost-Big Boulder, and other Pocono resorts.
- Development of Tobyhanna State Park and Surroundings (1960s): Just a short drive from Blakeslee, the parklands brought an influx of outdoor enthusiasts, giving rise to campgrounds and seasonal cabin getaways within the neighborhood’s orbit.
- Blakeslee Elementary School (Opened in 1970): Serving as both a school and a community hub, the opening signaled a new era of growth as more full-time residents settled in.
Notable Landmarks and Buildings
While Blakeslee’s charm lies in its unassuming personality, a few landmarks stand out:
- Blakeslee United Methodist Church: This historic church, perched alongside Route 940, has seen everything from weddings to volunteer drives and still manages to draw a faithful crowd on Sunday mornings.
- Oliveri’s Crystal Lake Hotel: While the building has changed names and hands over the years, it remains a reminder of the era when Blakeslee was a destination for city dwellers looking for mountain air and hospitality. Nestled near Crystal Lake Road, it was once the social center for dances, banquets, and gatherings before WWII.
- The Old Blakeslee Post Office: Though its operations have moved, the original structure still stands off Route 115, a lovingly restored piece of American postal history.
- Freedom Park: A newer addition, this community park near the heart of Blakeslee brings together kids, families, and retirees for outdoor fun throughout the seasons.
Blakeslee’s Streets and Heartbeat
Main routes like Route 940 and Route 115 tell much of Blakeslee’s story, but the magic happens down the back roads: Old Stage Road, Crystal Lake Road, and Laurel Drive weave through neighborhoods dotted with classic Pocono cabins, century-old homes, and newer builds that reflect the area’s slow and steady growth.
Institutions such as the Blakeslee Community Center on Route 940 host everything from pancake breakfasts to craft fairs, keeping the community spirit alive and well.
Evolution Over the Decades
Blakeslee has changed, as all special places do, but much of its original character remains. In the postwar years, the area saw an uptick in seasonal homes and resorts, owing to its proximity to major highways and fresh mountain lakes. The opening of I-80 and improved access brought Blakeslee closer to New York City and Philadelphia, cementing its role as a Pocono gateway.
Today, Blakeslee is a welcoming mix of longtime residents, second-home families, and new arrivals seeking a slower pace amid forests and fresh air. Old institutions, like the fire department and the Methodist church, still play a central role, and every fall, the changing leaves transform Route 115 and the surrounding countryside into a tapestry of color.
Why Blakeslee Remains Special
Ask any local, and you’ll hear that Blakeslee’s spirit comes from its people—neighbors who remember when the general store was the liveliest spot, or who recall skating on Crystal Lake in the winter. It’s a place where history is lived every day, whether you’re attending a church bake sale, hiking the escarpments behind old farms, or simply pausing at Blakeslee Corners as the world rushes by.
Blakeslee is the heart of the Poconos for many of us: a crossroads that keeps evolving, but never forgets where it came from.