Carlisle

An Inflexible Patriot: Major James Armstrong Wilson and the Home He Left Behind

Northeast of Carlisle borough near the intersection of Cavalry Road and Route 11 sits a distinguished, white-washed, brick home known as the Wilson House. That impressive structure bore witness to a part of the compelling story of Revolutionary War officer Major James Armstrong Wilson. He has frequently been confused with another James Wilson (1742-1798) who signed the Declaration of Independence and was a resident of Carlisle for a time.

Insulting Marks of Distinction: The Case of the Black Cockade and the Court-Martial

In 2011 CCHS acquired an 1813 petition to the state legislature that sheds light on an intriguing yet little known episode in the County's history. The document reveals that Carlisle Constable James Hutton petitioned the General Assembly on January 28, 1813, in an effort to reverse the decision of two lawsuits against him that threatened to take away his property and leave him homeless.

Introduction of Thompson-McGowan Collection

Carlisle historian Ruth Hodge, representing the African-American community of Carlisle, was actively involved in the discussion about renaming Carlisle High School's West Building. She had several individuals in mind who qualified for the honor, but when requested to pick just one name, she had no difficulty in narrowing the selection to the late Emma Thompson McGowan, a teacher in the Carlisle school system for almost thirty years.

Relliford "Red" Jackson

Referred to in newspapers as “Red” Jackson, he was most likely born in Shepherdstown, Virginia (now West Virginia). He served in the military during the Civil War, company and regiment unknown. At some point after his service, he married and lived with his wife and two stepsons in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He worked for a Dr. S. B.

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