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.
Celebrate With Us: January 27-29, 2026
Enjoy three full days of FREE events leading up to our official America250PA Cumberland County Kick Off Celebration on January 29.
Hampden Township Veterans Park, 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.
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.
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,
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
