Step back in time and explore the charming streets of Carlisle, where centuries-old buildings whisper stories of patriotism, resilience, and everyday life. From stately stone houses to Revolutionary War-era taverns, these landmarks aren't just architectural gems—they're tangible connections to a rich and riveting past. Admire the enduring craftsmanship and imagine the lives of the revolutionaries, merchants, tavern keepers, and townspeople who helped shape our community.
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, tavernkeepers, and townspeople who shaped our community.
This tour includes sidewalk views only. The buildings are not open to the public.
Locations
1. First Presbyterian Church
Location: NW corner of the Square
Marker: Pennsylvania Historical Marker
Begin your journey with the oldest public building in Carlisle, built in 1769. This iconic church played a key role in the Revolutionary War era—citizens gathered here in 1774 to protest British sanctions on Boston. Many Revolutionary War officers were members of this congregation. Notably, President George Washington worshipped here on October 5, 1794, before leading troops during the Whiskey Rebellion.
The original entrance, which faced High Street, was reoriented to Hanover Street in 1827. A chapel and tower were added in 1872, and a social and educational annex followed in 1952. The church stands as a proud sentinel of Carlisle’s revolutionary roots.
2. Blaine House
Location: 4 N. Hanover St.
Marker: Wayside Marker
Built in 1794 by Colonel Ephraim Blaine, a Revolutionary War Commissary General, this residence is considered Carlisle’s best-preserved 18th-century house. Admire its striking stone and brick façade, ornate cornice, and fanlight-topped entrance.
The Rev. John Steel likely built the rear stone section, where his son-in-law kept a tavern. Rev. Steel served as minister of the First Presbyterian Church from 1759 until his death in 1779. A native of Ireland, he was known to preach with a gun at his side during the French & Indian War.
3. Stephen Duncan House
Location: 4 E. High St.
Stephen Duncan, a merchant who came to Carlisle in the 1750s, built this stone house. Duncan was a Justice of the Peace, a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly, and a trustee of Dickinson College. Stephen's son, John, was killed in a duel in 1793, and his widow became the second wife of Colonel Ephraim Blaine. In the 1990s, occupants of the house claimed that it was haunted.
4. Duncan-Stiles House
Location: SW Corner of Bedford and E. High Sts.
This grand three-story Federal-style dwelling was built in 1811 by Judge Thomas Duncan's wife, Martha, for his son Stephen Duncan and Stephen’s bride, Miss Margaretta Stiles. It was “by far the most expensive private house ever built in Carlisle,” noted James Hamilton Jr. in the 1870s. Marble stairs led up to the front door, and fluted pillars and a vaulted ceiling in the entryway set off a curving staircase that led to the third floor. A Robert Welford mantel that stood in one of the two parlors has been displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Margaretta Stiles died less than three years after marrying Stephen Duncan, who then moved to Philadelphia and sold the house to his brother-in-law, Benjamin Stiles. The Duncan-Stiles House was also a casualty of the Civil War, when it took a hit the night of July 1, 1863, during the shelling of Carlisle. A cannonball came through the side of a wall and landed on a sofa, shattering it.
5. Lyon House
Location: 119 E. High St.
Documented as being built in 1788, this house reflects the legacy of William Lyon, a French and Indian War veteran, prosperous shopkeeper, and respected community leader. The attached one-story portion likely served as his office.
6. “Sign of the Turk”
Location: 137 E. High St.
Built in the 1760s by tavernkeeper John Pollock, a 25-foot-square stone addition housed a kitchen and bar room on the first floor and lodging rooms on the second floor. Both buildings are still standing, and the stone-lined well is still visible today. Favored by traveling dancing masters who gave lessons and held candlelight balls here in the 18th and early 19th centuries, this elegant location was a social hub with its own brewery and a still in the cellar.
The house was updated around 1820 when a mansard roof and a new cornice were added. Although the window and doors have been altered, the original stone arches can still be seen at the window and cellar openings. Broken crockery, bottles and other 200-year-old artifacts have been found buried in the backyard. Today, it remains one of the most atmospheric historic sites in Carlisle.
7. Trent House
Location: 7 N. East St.
Among the few pre-Revolutionary War homes still standing in Carlisle, this property was likely built by William Trent, the son of the founder of Trenton, NJ, and a land speculator, soldier, and guide for General Forbes’ army during the French and Indian War. Trent mortgaged the building in 1769 to his business partner George Croghan, known as the “King of the Indian Traders.”
Its arched stone lintels over the windows on the first floor (found on several houses built in Carlisle in the 1750s and 1760s) and the original windows are architectural highlights. The stonework reveals that the original one-story attached kitchen had a second story added.
8. Log House
Location: 157 Mulberry Alley
Hidden between East and Bedford Streets, this modest 1-1/2 -story log home likely dates to the Revolutionary War era. Its half-dovetail corner joints at the corners of the house reveal early American building techniques. Window and door placements were modified in the 19th century.
9. Alexander House
Location: 60 N. East St.
John and Jacob Crever of York County bought this property in 1774 and built a brewery and malt house. The brew house faced Louther Street, while the tavern faced East Street. In 1801,
“To be sold or rented, that noted tavern and public stand formerly kept by Jacob Crever. There are on the premises a commodious Tavern House with a large yard and large and excellent stabling and sheds, a one-story brick building adjoining for a store, all in good repair, and a good and never failing well of water at the kitchen door.”
10. Pollock House
Location: 229 E. Louther St.
Owned by maltster and tavernkeeper John Pollock, the property, in 1792, included a two-story stone house a brew house, two kitchens, and a log-built back building. Aside from a porch addition, this well-preserved 18th-century house has changed little over the centuries.
11. McManus House “Sign of the Eagle & Harp”
Location: 131 N. East St.
This classic 5-bay Georgian-style home, with a center hall, was built in 1803 by tavernkeeper Charles McManus, who also ran at the lower end of the log adjoining the LeTort Creek. His tavern was infamous for its rough clientele and lively (sometimes violent) reputation. McManus died in 1817, and the tavern and distillery were sold in 1824. A fireplace mantle from the home is preserved at the Cumberland County Historical Society.
12. “Sign of the Cross Keys”
Location: 176 E. Pomfret St.
Constructed between 1788 and 1798, this large stone house became a well-known tavern operated by freemason Robert Taylor from 1806 to 1822.
13. Capt. William Armstrong House
Location: 109 E. Pomfret St.
Built in 1759, this 1-1/2-story building is the oldest documented stone home still standing in Carlisle. Crafted by stonemason Stephen Foulk, its foundation work was paid for, in part, with eight gallons of whiskey. Built for Captain William Armstrong, brother of Colonel John Armstrong (the “Hero of Kittanning” during the French and Indian War), it’s a rare glimpse into early colonial architecture.
14. “Sign of the White Horse”
Location: 54 E. Pomfret St.
Surveyor Lewis Lewis, father of the notorious “Lewis the Robber,” operated a tavern from this building from 1784 to 1787. This 2-1/2-story log house, built circa 1780, features corner fireplaces on the first and second floors and a cooking hearth in the cellar. Stucco was added around 1840.
15. Musselman House
Location: 102 S. Hanover St.
This grand brick home, dating back to the 1790s, was briefly rented in 1793 by Dr. Charles Steineke, a physician. His daughter Maria’s sudden and suspicious death in 1869 led to her body being exhumed 13 days after her death. Upon examination, doctors concluded that she had been poisoned by Dr. Paul Schoeppe, who had been made the beneficiary of her considerable fortune. Dr. Schoeppe was found guilty of murder in the first degree, creating one of Carlisle’s most sensational murder cases.
16. The Barber Shop
Location: 42 W. Pomfret St.
Built before 1798, this 30’ x 30’ two-story stone building once served blacksmiths and evolved into a commercial space. It retains its original stone lintels above the windows and elegant cornice.
17. Yellow House
Location: 48 W. Pomfret St.
This structure is a great example of architectural evolution. Originally a one-story log house, it gained a second story and peaked gable in the 1800s, when the exterior was covered with frame. Inside, you can view sections of the original walls behind plexiglass.
Witness Carlisle Through the Years
After the tour is finished, visit the Cumberland County Historical Society at 21. N. Pitt Street to explore permanent and rotating exhibits filled with photographs, documents, and artifacts that offer a captivating glimpse into the historic heart of Cumberland Valley. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To view additional photographs of Carlisle throughout the years and publications depicting local architecture, make an appointment to visit the library and archives.
Plan Your Visit
Cumberland Valley is rich in American history! If you enjoyed this tour, join us in celebrating America250PA with events, lectures, visits to historical sites, and more. Your journey through history awaits.
