History

Below is only a small list of places that provide History on the Cumberland Valley region.
Find a complete list of Cumberland Valley History here.

Carlisle Iron Works Furnace

The Carlisle Iron Works Furnace in Boiling Springs was built in 1760 and remains in excellent condition. This is one of the earliest blast furnaces and was founded by John Rigbie & Co. It was operated by Michael Ege, a well-known iron master, after 1781. A marker located on PA 174 just east of...

Civil War and More

The walls at Civil War & More are filled with all things related to this prominent period in American history. Step back in time and browse books, collectibles, music, flags and even neck ties.

Cumberland County Historical Society

Celebrating it's 150th anniversary in 2024, CCHS will host three exhibit openings in April: 150 Years of CCHS, 1870s Carlisle, and War Comes to Cumberland County by the War, Peace and Justice Initiative. In June, CCHS will host an Evening with Jeff Shaara at the West Shore Country Club, offering an...

Freight Station Museum and Museum Store

The Mechanicsburg Freight Station was built in 1886 by the Cumberland Valley Railroad, and is currently preserved by the Mechanicsburg Museum Association. The two-story building was used for freight shipments and deliveries until the 1950s. The building now houses a modern museum space with exhibits...

Gettysburg National Military Park

The Gettysburg National Military Park is an easy day trip while staying in Cumberland Valley. The national park includes an interactive museum and visitors center with galleries, exhibits, bookstore, Refreshment Saloon, the famous Cyclorama painting and a 22-minute film title "A New Birth of...

Hessian Powder Magazine

The Hessian Powder Magazine is located on the Carlisle Barracks and was built in 1777 during the Revolutionary War. The town of Carlisle was a growing Army depot that supported George Washington's Continental Army. Please view the Carlisle Barracks listing for check-point information.  Groups:...

Lincoln Cemetery

Originally named the African Cemetery of Carlisle, Lincoln Cemetery was in use as early as 1806. Several hundred African-American men, women and children are buried here including at least 40 Civil War veterans. This cemetery was restored and is maintained by Vietnam Veterans of Mechanicsburg and...

Locust Grove Cemetery

The Locust Grove Cemetery in Shippensburg is a historic African-American cemetery. The cemetery is the burial location for 47 African American veterans from every major American conflict from the Civil War to Vietnam. There are 26 known Civil War veterans buried. These veterans served in the United...

Mechanicsburg Museum Association

The Mechanicsburg Museum preserves four 1800s buildings from the Cumberland Valley Railroad, a log tavern that predates Mechanicsburg, and a collection of items and records important to Mechanicsburg's history and heritage. The association preserves the 1899 Washington Street Station, the 1866...

Molly Pitcher Grave & Statue

Molly Pitcher was renowned for her bravery during the Revolutionary War. She is well-known for assisting her husband at his gun station during the Battle on Monmouth. Discover this site with the Self-Guided Tour of Carlisle's Old Public Graveyard. Historic Marker: A marker located on S. Hanover...

National Civil War Museum

The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg is the only museum in the United States that portrays the entire picture of the American Civil War. Exhibits and presentations are equally balanced and not biased to the Union or Confederate causes. The museum houses a collection of over 4,000 artifacts...

Old Courthouse - Carlisle

The Old Cumberland County Courthouse, located in downtown Carlisle, was built in 1846 and is a brick structure with an impressive bell-and-clock tower and sandstone columns. Currently still in use, the Courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm and houses several county offices....