Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Hessian Powder Magazine
January 31, 2012
1. The Hessian Powder Magazine Marker
Inscription.
The Hessian Powder Magazine was constructed at Carlisle Barracks in 1777 during the American War for Independence from the British government. Carlisle was a growing depot in support of Gen. George Washington's Continental Army. The magazine stored valuable gunpowder, cannon shot and small arms, far beyond the range of British ships along the coast. Local histories indicate that some construction was the work of Hessian soldiers interned at Carlisle after capture by Washington's forces during the December 1776 Battle of Trenton.
The building and its functions have changed with time and local missions. The covered gallery, chimneys and roof ventilators of the 18th century have long been removed. The iron doors were added in the mid-19th century when the building was converted to use as the Hessian Guard House. The Carlisle Indian Industrial School used the building from 1879 to 1918. During the early 20th century, it was used primarily for storage until converted in 1948 back to an approximation of its former appearance. The Hessian Powder Magazine structure is an eloquent reminder of the enduring nature of the United States and its Army.
The Hessian Powder Magazine was constructed at Carlisle Barracks in 1777 during the American War for Independence from the British government. Carlisle was a growing depot in support of Gen. George Washington's Continental Army. The magazine stored valuable gunpowder, cannon shot and small arms, far beyond the range of British ships along the coast. Local histories indicate that some construction was the work of Hessian soldiers interned at Carlisle after capture by Washington's forces during the December 1776 Battle of Trenton.
The building and its functions have changed with time and local missions. The covered gallery, chimneys and roof ventilators of the 18th century have long been removed. The iron doors were added in the mid-19th century when the building was converted to use as the Hessian Guard House. The Carlisle Indian Industrial School used the building from 1879 to 1918. During the early 20th century, it was used primarily for storage until converted in 1948 back to an approximation of its former appearance. The Hessian Powder Magazine structure is an eloquent reminder of the enduring nature of the United States and its Army.
Erected by U.S. Army War College, Class of 2005.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans
Location. 40° 12.423′ N, 77° 10.69′ W. Marker is in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. Marker is on Guardhouse Ln.. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. Marker not accessible to general public as it is located on the grounds of Carlisle Barracks, home to the U.S. Army War College, and requires going through security to enter the base.
January 31, 2012
2. The Hessian Powder Magazine
Photographed By Larry Gertner, April 2018
3. The Hessian Powder Magazine Marker
An ancillary marker relating to its use as a guardhouse.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, April 2018
4. The Hessian Powder Magazine and Marker
The ancillary marker is visible near the building corner.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, April 5, 2018
5. Inside, "What is a Hessian?"
Photographed By Larry Gertner, April 5, 2018
6. Inside, "What is a Powder Magazine?"
Photographed By Larry Gertner, April 5, 2018
7. Hessian mannequin
Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2012, by Steven Berkowitz of Annnandale, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,739 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 4, 2012. 3, 4. submitted on June 18, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 5, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.