Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania

American Historic Small-Town Itineraries

Located in a rich agricultural region known as the Cumberland Valley in South Central Pennsylvania,

Mechanicsburg was named for a settlement of mechanics who made and repaired Conestoga wagons in the early 19^th century. Its continued growth as transport hub resulted from its designation as a water station where workers could restock the locomotive's wood and pump water.

Mechanicsburg and Trains

Grain and feed companies, lumber yards and numerous factories were built alongside the railroad tracks. Archives show that, at one time, there were twenty-five trains chugging through the town daily carrying travelers, mail, coal, feathers, fruit, and newspapers. During the Civil War, the railroad was an invaluable method of transporting troops and supplies. Today, up to six trains travel through each day.

Present-day Mechanicsburg is Centered on a 100-acres (40 ha) tract Purchased from William Penn

The town went by several different names:

Drytown because of the extreme scarcity of water during the winter and summer.

Pinchgut a German word signifying a small village with only a few people.

Staufferstown, in honor of Henry Stauffer, the owner of much of the land in the center of town.

On June 28, 1863, Confederate troops raided Mechanicsburg, and two days later, met with Union forces just east of town. This was the northernmost engagement of the Civil War. Following the Skirmish of Sporting Hill, the Confederate forces retreated south into the town of Gettysburg.

The Oldest Building in Mechanicsburg is the Frankeberger Tavern. One of Mechanicsburg's first residents was George Frankeberger, who in 1801 applied for a license to open his newly built log home for the convenience of travelers between Harrisburg and Carlisle.

The Mechanicsburg Museum is a cluster of historic buildings from the 1800s where visitors can learn about Cumberland Valley history. The two-story Freight Station Museum & Museum Store was once used for freight shipments and deliveries. It now houses a modern museum space and gift shop.

The Cumberland Valley Beer Trail tour and taste a pint at Cumberland Valley pubs; Valley breweries and restaurants welcome locals and visitors to sample their unique flavors of craft brews.