Introduction to Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland county, is 44 miles N of Frederick, Maryland (center to center) and 70 miles NW of Baltimore, Maryland. The town is included in the Harrisburg - Lebanon - Carlisle metropolitan area.
Shippensburg History
A group of Scots-Irish families arrived in the area in July of 1730, and constructed cabin homes. The community grew as the colonial settlement's western outpost. Edward Shippen, who received a land patent from William Penn's family, is believed to have founded the town of Shippensburg and the community is named in his honor. It is considered to be Cumberland Valley's oldest community. The Widow Piper's Tavern was built in Shippensburg by Samuel Perry in 1735 and became home to the first Cumberland County Courts. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the area had a number of engine and pump works, furniture factories, and other industrial works. On January 21, 1819, Shippensburg was officially incorporated as a borough. A Normal School, which was founded in 1871 in Shippensburg, is now known as the Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.
Shippensburg and Nearby Attractions
- Eisenhower National Historic Site
- National Apple Museum
- Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo
- Hershey's Chocolate World
- Pine Grove Furnace State Park
- Cylburn Arboretum
Things To Do In Shippensburg
Shippensburg is near the National Apple Museum which includes a recreated farm kitchen of the 1880s, and early orchard photographs. It also features exhibits depicting the early traditions of picking, packing, and shipping of apples. Eisenhower National Historic Site, and Gettysburg National Military Park are some of the historic sites in the area. Parks like Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Big Spring State Park, Caledonia State Park, and Fowlers Hollow State Park offer recreational facilities for hiking, boating, camping, swimming, and picnicking. Another popular place to visit is the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo which has a 35-acre zoo surrounded by woodland. The community also hosts the Shippensburg Community Fair, and the Corn Festival every year. The Shippensburg Community Fair features agricultural exhibits, food vendors, a craft show, and carnival rides, while the Corn Festival has stands operated by regional artists and vendors.
Shippensburg Transportation
Air transportation is available from Harrisburg International Airport.
Shippensburg Higher Education
Shippensburg is home to the Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. Wilson College, Dickinson College, and Penn State Mont Alto are the other colleges nearby.