Carlisle, PA

The picturesque borough of Carlisle is rich in history and growing for the future. The borough was founded in 1751, and George Washington walked the streets of Carlisle as he commanded the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. In modern times, a different type of street is heavily traveled: Carlisle is now located at the crossroads of two major interstates, I-76 and I-81. Carlisle is the seat of Cumberland County, has a population of about 19,000, and is five and a half square miles in size. The closest major city is Harrisburg, which is about a 30-minute drive to the east. Many Carlisle residents commute to Harrisburg for work.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Carlisle has a mix of small businesses and large corporations. The largest employers in the area are the Cumberland County government and the United States Military. Other major employers are HighMark and Giant Foods. Historically, Cumberland County has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state of Pennsylvania. In recent years, borough and county officials have attempted to further boost the economy by attracting technology-based firms and strong service industries.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Carlisle's historic downtown is the center of the community. Restored homes, manicured lawns and blooming flower boxes lead to the tree-lined streets of downtown, with its quaint shops and unique architecture. Award-winning restaurants provide a place to stop and get a bite to eat. The neighborhood has a large number of architecturally significant homes, commercial buildings and public buildings. As such, it has been officially designated the Carlisle Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Any changes to buildings or signs in the historic district must be approved by the borough's Board of Historical and Architectural Review.

EDUCATION

Three world-class institutions of higher learning have campuses just a short walk from downtown Carlisle.

• Dickinson College: Dickinson is a four-year liberal arts college with an enrollment of about 2,400 students. It was chartered in 1783 and is named for John Dickinson, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. The college went through a rapid expansion during the World War II era and now consists of a 90-acre main campus, a 30-acre recreational campus and a 188-acre farm that is located six miles outside of town.
• Penn State University's Dickinson School of Law: The Dickinson School of Law is the oldest law school in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the fifth-oldest school of law in the country. Graduates include five governors, three U.S. senators, and more than 100 federal and state judges. In 2000, the school merged with Penn State University. Penn State is currently investing $120 million to construct new buildings and renovate existing ones for the law school.
• U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks: The Army War College established a campus in Carlisle in the 1950s. The school is now well known for preparing senior military officers and civilians to serve the United States in leadership roles.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Carlisle's many college students and the proximity to the state capital help it attract leading artists, poets, performers and musicians. The borough is rich in galleries, theaters and cultural activities. They include:

• Carlisle Arts Learning Center
• Carlisle Theatre
• Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet
• Fly Away Home Studios
• The Garden Gallery
• Trout Gallery

Carlisle also is home to several museums, including:

• Army Heritage and Education Center, which is dedicated to telling the story of America's army. The Center possesses the country's largest collection of Civil War photos.
• Cumberland County Historical Society, with a mission of preserving, collecting and interpreting the history of Cumberland County. The society recently renovated and expanded its museum.
• Union Fire Company No. 1 Museum, a museum that is located in a historic firehouse and displays firefighting artifacts dating back to 1789.

FAMILY FUN

The beautiful rolling hills of south-central Pennsylvania provide the perfect setting for outdoor activities. Fishing enthusiasts will find that Cumberland County's creeks and streams are filled with trout, bass, pickerel and walleye. A great hike is easy to find on the nearby Appalachian Trail or on the 15 miles of trails at the King's Gap Environmental Education Center. Pine Grove Furnace State Park features swimming, boat launches and more than 70 campsites.

LOCAL MEDIA

Carlisle is served by one local newspaper, The Sentinel. It is part of the Harrisburg television market and is served by three Harrisburg stations:

• WHP, Channel 21
• WHTM, Channel 27
• WITF, Channel 33

DID YOU KNOW?

• During the Civil War, the Confederates shelled Carlisle, and a cannonball hit a pillar on the old courthouse. The courthouse still stands, and the damage to the pillar is still visible.
• Jim Thorpe's athletic career began at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School.
• Carlisle has a total of 18 public parks within the borough limits.
• James Wilson (who signed the Declaration of Independence) and Molly Pitcher (a heroine of the American Revolution) were residents of Carlisle.