Celebrate America250PA in Cumberland Valley

Pennsylvania is the birthplace of democracy. Almost 250 years ago, thirteen colonies joined together in Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence, a document conveying the ideas of equality, liberty, and government. These ideals help us identify the cornerstone of our rights and responsibilities as Americans and Pennsylvanians.

Cumberland Valley has a rich history dating back to the founding of America, and we look forward to sharing that history as we celebrate America250 starting this year and continuing into 2026. Throughout the 250th celebration of our country's founding, we invite you to explore history-based events and historical attractions that offer insightful glimpses into the past and encourage residents and visitors to immerse themselves in our history in new ways.

Coming Soon

Patriots' Path: Explore the Revolutionary War Trail in Cumberland Valley invites visitors to learn how Cumberland Valley's geography, industry, and people played a key role in America's fight for independence. Follow in the footsteps of soldiers, settlers, artisans, and citizen-leaders to learn the story of a community whose strength, ingenuity, and determination helped form a nation.

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America250PA Cumberland County Bell

Located in Veterans Memorial Courtyard, beside the Old Cumberland County Courthouse in Carlisle (Hanover & High Streets), Cumberland County's America250PA commemorative bell is part of the statewide Bells Across PA initiative celebrating the nation's Semiquincentennial. Created by Cumberland County artist Phil George, the bell's design reflects the region’s deep roots in American history, strong agricultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. Students in the Engineering Technology – Levels 3 and 4 class at the Carlisle Center for Careers and Technology built the structure's base, contributing skilled craftsmanship to the installation. Click here to view the Bells Across PA Bell Gallery featuring 100 bells throughout the state.

Liberty Tree

Hampden Township Veterans Park in Enola is home to the county's America250PA Liberty Tree. In the years leading up to the American Revolution, large Liberty Trees were used as symbolic meeting places for the "Sons of Liberty" throughout the 13 colonies. Seedlings from the last remaining tree in Annapolis, Maryland, have produced hundreds of descendants that are being planted in all 67 counties across the Commonwealth to commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary in 2026.

DCNR America250PA GeoTrail

As part of educational programming and outreach for the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, Pennsylvania State Parks launched a 25-cache GeoTrail designed to help visitors learn about history while enjoying the outdoors, as they search for the hidden cache. Each park features a unique cache highlighting a piece of Pennsylvania history that occurred there. Of the 25 participating state parks, two are in Cumberland Valley: Kings Gap and Pine Grove Furnace. Start your journey here, then head out to explore the other parts of the state.

Your America250PA Weekend: June 12-14, 2026

This three-day Cumberland Valley getaway invites history enthusiasts to experience America250PA through immersive events, living history, and timeless landscapes. From colonial traditions to small-town celebrations, it’s a June weekend designed to connect you with the past in meaningful and memorable ways.

History, Fun Facts & Things to Do
Events
Places to Visit
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Lodging

History, Fun Facts & Things to Do

Brief History

In the 1730s, English, German, and Scots-Irish immigrants settled in the area of South Central Pennsylvania known as Cumberland County, also referred to as the Cumberland Valley, devoting their lives to farming the region's rich soil. The Widow Piper’s Tavern in Shippensburg was originally used as the courthouse until the Cumberland County Courthouse was built and the county seat was established in Carlisle. Named for Cumberland, England, and founded on January 27, 1750, Cumberland County now spans 555 square miles, featuring a mixture of urban communities and rich farmland.

Within a two-hour drive or less of Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., Cumberland Valley is the perfect home base for you to join us as we celebrate Pennsylvania's leading role in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.

Interesting Facts

In 1753, Benjamin Franklin successfully negotiated a treaty with several Native American tribes in the Carlisle area.
The Carlisle Barracks was established in 1757. It is the second oldest military post in the United States and is currently home to the U.S. Army War College.
George Washington used Carlisle in 1794 as the site to muster troops for a march to western Pennsylvania as he attempted to quell the Whiskey Rebellion.
Revolutionary War Generals William Thompson, William Irving, and John Armstrong called Cumberland County their home, and the legendary Revolutionary War heroine Mary Hays, better known as Molly Pitcher, lived and is buried in Carlisle.
The Cumberland County Courthouse, built in 1846, is a brick structure with sandstone columns and an impressive bell-and-clock tower. On July 1, 1863, Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart demanded that Union General William Smith surrender, and he replied, "Shell and be damned." One of the columns bears the mark of the artillery barrage that followed before General Robert E. Lee ordered the Confederate cavalry unit to the Battle of Gettysburg.
The Underground Railroad extended through Cumberland County, utilizing two main routes for fugitive slaves. One route passed through Pine Grove, Mt. Holly Springs, Boiling Springs, Mechanicsburg, and Harrisburg before heading north. The second route followed Walnut Bottom and Old York Roads before entering Boiling Springs and continuing to Harrisburg.

Things to Do

Carlisle History Walk

Explore Carlisle's rich heritage with our Historic Wayside Markers! These informative displays guide you through the town's history, showcasing key events, notable figures, and important landmarks,

Top 10 Historical Sites

Explore Cumberland Valley's rich history at these historical sites filled with stories that span 250 years of local history.

Monuments & Memorials

Honor the past and the people who created it by visiting the collection of historically significant monuments, special memorials and military history sites spread throughout Cumberland Valley.

Molly Pitcher's Statue in Cumberland Valley, PA

History Buff Getaway

Cumberland Valley is the perfect location for an adventure into the past. Delve deep into the past with this exciting three-day itinerary.

18th-Century Architecture Walking Tour

Carlisle’s historic buildings aren’t just architectural gems—they’re tangible connections to a rich and riveting past. Wander these charming streets, admire the enduring craftsmanship of 17 remarkable properties, and imagine the lives of the revolutionaries, merchants…

Events

Search for events throughout Cumberland Valley that celebrate history and America's semiquincentennial. Please view our online calendar for a complete list of events.

If you are interested in adding an America250PA event to our online calendar, click the button below.

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Places to Visit

From historical sites and cemeteries to self-guided tours, fully immerse yourself in historical explorations at museums, historical sites, and more that provide an insightful glimpse into the past.

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Dive deeper into Cumberland County's history and historical attractions with these suggestions.

Lodging

Rest easy in our Cumberland Valley hotels, where you'll never grow tired of our hospitality! Search our hotels for something that fits your style and your budget.

Visitors Guide

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