Introduction to Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland county, is 48 miles W of Lancaster, Pennsylvania (center to center) and 68 miles NW of Baltimore, Maryland. The town is located in the Harrisburg - Lebanon - Carlisle area.
Carlisle History
The community of Carlisle, which was founded in 1751 by a group of Scots-Irish immigrants, was named after the town of Carlisle in England. The community was originally part of Lancaster County, and was officially incorporated on April 13, 1782. It was an important location during the Whiskey Rebellion when George Washington's troops assembled in Carlisle. In the Battle of Carlisle, on July 1, 1863, the community suffered an artillery attack launched by the Confederates. The Carlisle Indian Industrial School, established in the late 1870s, trained Native Americans to be "civilized" in accordance with the ways of white men. Among the well known residents of Carlisle were the Revolutionary War heroine Molly Pitcher, and the Olympic athlete Jim Thorpe.
Carlisle and Nearby Attractions
- John Harris Mansion
- State Museum of Pennsylvania
- Little Buffalo State Park
- Kings Gap Environmental Education and Training Center
- Williams Grove Amusement Park
Things To Do In Carlisle
The State Museum of Pennsylvania houses over 3 million artifacts depicting the history of Pennsylvania. The Freight Station Museum is another museum showcasing exhibits of historical significance. The National Apple Museum includes a recreated 19th century farm kitchen and early orchard photographs. Recreational activities like boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and picnicking can be enjoyed at the Gifford Pinchot State Park, Colonel Denning State Park, Caledonia State Park, and Little Buffalo State Park.
Carlisle Transportation
Air transportation is available from the Harrisburg International Airport.
Carlisle Higher Education
Carlisle is home to the Penn State Dickinson School of Law, Dickinson College, and U.S. Army War College. Messiah College, and Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania are nearby.
