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History of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, USA
Journey back in time to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, USA
Explore Carlisle, Pennsylvania, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Carlisle Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

James Le Tort, a French-Swiss Indian trader, settled with an Indian tribe near the site about 1720. The town, laid out in 1751, was named for Carlisle, Cumberland, England. It was the setting for continuous conflict with the Iroquois Confederacy until Benjamin Franklin negotiated a treaty in 1753. The peace failed, however, with the start of the French and Indian War the following year. A provincial fort was built there in 1756, and Carlisle was the starting point for many American colonial military expeditions during the war.
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Discover Carlisle: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1845 - DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN CARLISLE.
We learn by a slip from the office of the Carlisle Herald, that about one o'clock on Monday morning last, a fire was discovered in the council house of the borough of Carlisle, in the basement story of which, the fire apparatus of the town consisting of three engines with hose carriages was kept; so rapid were the flames that it was impossible to get out more than one of the engines and that in such a condition, that it was unfit for use.
The citizens who rapidly reached the ground, were thus left wholly without the means to check the progress of the flames, and the wind blowing with great violence from the N.E., the flames were instantly communicated to the Court House, and spread over the building with alarming rapidity. The scene now presented an appalling prospect - with no fire apparatus, no means of arresting the mad career of the devouring element, the full destruction of the whole Southeastern portion of the town seemed inevitable and no one could say where the destruction... Read MORE...
We learn by a slip from the office of the Carlisle Herald, that about one o'clock on Monday morning last, a fire was discovered in the council house of the borough of Carlisle, in the basement story of which, the fire apparatus of the town consisting of three engines with hose carriages was kept; so rapid were the flames that it was impossible to get out more than one of the engines and that in such a condition, that it was unfit for use.
The citizens who rapidly reached the ground, were thus left wholly without the means to check the progress of the flames, and the wind blowing with great violence from the N.E., the flames were instantly communicated to the Court House, and spread over the building with alarming rapidity. The scene now presented an appalling prospect - with no fire apparatus, no means of arresting the mad career of the devouring element, the full destruction of the whole Southeastern portion of the town seemed inevitable and no one could say where the destruction... Read MORE...
1854 - Carlisle
Carlisle, a handsome town, capital of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the Cumberland Valley railroad, 18 miles W. by S. from Harrisburg, and 125 miles W. from Philadelphia. It is situated in the great limestone valley which is enclosed be tween the Kittatinny and South mountains. The surface of the country is nearly level, the soil is uniformly and highly productive, and much improved. The town is well built, the streets are wide, and the public buildings are of a superior order. It has a public square, on which the county buildings are located. Dickinson College, of this place, is one of the oldest and most flourishing in the state. It was founded in 1783, and is now under the direction of the Methodists. Carlisle also contains about 12 churches, 1 bank, a town hall, and 4 or 6 newspaper offices. The Cumberland Valley railroad connects at Harrisburg with the Central railroad, and extends on the other hand to Hagerstown, Maryland. In 1794, General Washington had his head-quarters... Read MORE...
Carlisle, a handsome town, capital of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the Cumberland Valley railroad, 18 miles W. by S. from Harrisburg, and 125 miles W. from Philadelphia. It is situated in the great limestone valley which is enclosed be tween the Kittatinny and South mountains. The surface of the country is nearly level, the soil is uniformly and highly productive, and much improved. The town is well built, the streets are wide, and the public buildings are of a superior order. It has a public square, on which the county buildings are located. Dickinson College, of this place, is one of the oldest and most flourishing in the state. It was founded in 1783, and is now under the direction of the Methodists. Carlisle also contains about 12 churches, 1 bank, a town hall, and 4 or 6 newspaper offices. The Cumberland Valley railroad connects at Harrisburg with the Central railroad, and extends on the other hand to Hagerstown, Maryland. In 1794, General Washington had his head-quarters... Read MORE...
1871 - Prof. Watts, of Carlisle, Penn., has accepted the appointment of Commissioner of Agriculture.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
July 8, 1871
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
July 8, 1871
1895 - Carlisle
Carlisle, a post-borough, capital of Cumberland co., Pa., is pleasantly situated in the long and fertile Cumber land Valley, 19 miles W.S.W. of Harrisburg, 33 miles N.E. of Chambersburg, and 125 miles W. of Philadelphia. It is on the Cumberland Valley Railroad (which connects it with Harrisburg), and is at the north terminus of the South Mountain Railroad. It is the seat of Dickinson College (Methodist), founded in 1783, which has 250 students and libraries containing 177,000 volumes. Carlisle contains a court-house, 15 churches, an Indian training-school with 300 scholars, 3 banks, 4 newspaper offices, 4 machine-shops, 3 large shoe-factories, a silk-mill, a foundry, and manufactures of carriages and cars. This town was shelled by the Confederates July 1, 1863. Pop, in 1890, 7620.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Carlisle, a post-borough, capital of Cumberland co., Pa., is pleasantly situated in the long and fertile Cumber land Valley, 19 miles W.S.W. of Harrisburg, 33 miles N.E. of Chambersburg, and 125 miles W. of Philadelphia. It is on the Cumberland Valley Railroad (which connects it with Harrisburg), and is at the north terminus of the South Mountain Railroad. It is the seat of Dickinson College (Methodist), founded in 1783, which has 250 students and libraries containing 177,000 volumes. Carlisle contains a court-house, 15 churches, an Indian training-school with 300 scholars, 3 banks, 4 newspaper offices, 4 machine-shops, 3 large shoe-factories, a silk-mill, a foundry, and manufactures of carriages and cars. This town was shelled by the Confederates July 1, 1863. Pop, in 1890, 7620.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1904 - COLLEGE HALL IN FLAMES.
Carlisle, Penn., March 4. - Denny Hall, one of the finest buildings connected with Dickinson College, at Carlisle, Pa., was destroyed by fire.
No injuries were reported. The loss is estimated at $30,000.
Tyrone Daily Herald
Tyrone, Pennsylvania
March 4, 1904
Carlisle, Penn., March 4. - Denny Hall, one of the finest buildings connected with Dickinson College, at Carlisle, Pa., was destroyed by fire.
No injuries were reported. The loss is estimated at $30,000.
Tyrone Daily Herald
Tyrone, Pennsylvania
March 4, 1904
1909 - December 1 - 1st Christmas Club payment made, to Carlisle Trust Co, Pa
historyorb.com
December 1, 1909
historyorb.com
December 1, 1909
1911 - Wagon Accident
CARLISLE. - Matthew Lindsay, a well-known Cumberland county farmer, 72 years old, died as a result of being run down by a loaded hay wagon.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
July 14, 1911
CARLISLE. - Matthew Lindsay, a well-known Cumberland county farmer, 72 years old, died as a result of being run down by a loaded hay wagon.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
July 14, 1911
1916
Carlisle, a post-borough, capital of Cumberland co., Pa., is pleasantly situated in the long and fertile Cumber land Valley, on the Cumberland Valley and the Gettysburg and Harrisburg Rs., 19 miles WSW. of Harrisburg. It is the seat of Dickinson College (Methodist), founded in 1783. Carlisle contains a court-house, the United States Indian Industrial Training-School, with about 900 scholars, machine-shops, and has manufactures of shoos, carriages, axles, cars, etc. This town was shelled by the Confederates July 1, 1863. Pop. in 1890, 7620 ; in 1900, 9626. The Carlisle (sulphur) Springs are near by.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Carlisle, a post-borough, capital of Cumberland co., Pa., is pleasantly situated in the long and fertile Cumber land Valley, on the Cumberland Valley and the Gettysburg and Harrisburg Rs., 19 miles WSW. of Harrisburg. It is the seat of Dickinson College (Methodist), founded in 1783. Carlisle contains a court-house, the United States Indian Industrial Training-School, with about 900 scholars, machine-shops, and has manufactures of shoos, carriages, axles, cars, etc. This town was shelled by the Confederates July 1, 1863. Pop. in 1890, 7620 ; in 1900, 9626. The Carlisle (sulphur) Springs are near by.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Carlisle:
Army Heritage and Education Center (AHEC): Explore the rich military history of the United States at AHEC. The center features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and outdoor installations that provide a comprehensive look at the Army's legacy.
Carlisle Barracks: Visit one of the oldest military installations in the United States. The Carlisle Barracks has a storied history, and you can take a guided tour to learn more about its role in various wars and conflicts.
Carlisle Theatre: Catch a movie or a live performance at the Carlisle Theatre. This historic venue has been entertaining the community since 1939 and continues to be a hub for cultural events.
Dickinson College: Take a stroll through the beautiful campus of Dickinson College. The college, founded in 1773, has a charming mix of historic and modern architecture. Check out their events calendar for lectures, performances, and exhibitions.
Letort Spring Run and LeTort Park: If you enjoy fishing or just a peaceful walk,... Read MORE...
Army Heritage and Education Center (AHEC): Explore the rich military history of the United States at AHEC. The center features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and outdoor installations that provide a comprehensive look at the Army's legacy.
Carlisle Barracks: Visit one of the oldest military installations in the United States. The Carlisle Barracks has a storied history, and you can take a guided tour to learn more about its role in various wars and conflicts.
Carlisle Theatre: Catch a movie or a live performance at the Carlisle Theatre. This historic venue has been entertaining the community since 1939 and continues to be a hub for cultural events.
Dickinson College: Take a stroll through the beautiful campus of Dickinson College. The college, founded in 1773, has a charming mix of historic and modern architecture. Check out their events calendar for lectures, performances, and exhibitions.
Letort Spring Run and LeTort Park: If you enjoy fishing or just a peaceful walk,... Read MORE...
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Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, USA
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