Carlisle Public Square
Before the erection of Cumberland County - 1750 - this site was the intersection of the Indian trail leading from mountain to mountain across Groghan's Gap westward.
With the laying out of Carlisle in 1751 the square became the center of the town's activities. Some events connected with its first half century of existence are shown herewith.
First courts held here July 1751.
First Presbyterian congregation organized Meeting House Springs 1734 - Episcopal congregation, organized, before 1753.
October 1753 - Benjamin Franklin headed commission - treaty with Indians.
1753 - Fort Lowther built - adjoined square on west.
1754 - Law enforcement begun - pillory and stocks erected.
July 1755 - Governor Morris on visit. Learned of Braddock's defeat.
January 1756 - Gov. Morris with others concluded second Indian treaty.
1757 - First weekly mail begun between Philadelphia and Carlisle.
June 1758 - General Forbes prepared three weeks here for expedition against Fort Duquesne.
Dec. 1764 - General Bouquet returned Indian captives to families among them Regina Hartman.
June 12th 1774 - Meeting First Presbyterian Church sent committee to Provincial Assembly in Philadelphia, led by James Wilson, resident Carlisle circa 1769 - 1777 later Signer Declaration, U.S. Constitution and Penna. Constitution.
October 4th to 12th 1794 - visit of President Washington to Carlisle while commanding troops in Whiskey Insurrection. Met western commissioners - attended First Presbyterian Church while here.
Dec. 1797 - Louis Phillippe later King of France with his two brothers stopped here.
The Public Square since Carlisle's beginning has been the center of the town's civic and judicial life. Every problem relating to national or social betterment has within its confines enjoyed free and unhampered discussion.
Marker is on Hanover Street (Pennsylvania Route 34), on the right when traveling south.
Courtesy hmdb.org
