Hanover in York County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Jacob Wirt House

Photographed By William Pfingsten, June 28, 2008

1. The Jacob Wirt House Marker

Inscription. At approximately 8:00 a.m. the head of Kilpatrick's Union Cavalry Division halted on Frederick Street. When Reverend William K. Zieber, pastor of Emmanuel Reformed Church learned about the hungry cavalrymen, he encouraged the crowd of townspeople to feed them. For nearly two hours, various regiments passed through Hanover as men, women and children continued to bring food, drinks and gifts to the grateful soldiers.

About 10:00 a.m., rear units of the 5th New York Cavalry Regiment were located in this area, while the main body assembled around Hanover's Center Square. While the soldiers were enjoying the people's hospitality, a Confederate artillery shell burst over the town. Major John Hammond of the 5th New York promptly rode to the Center Square and urged the citizens to take shelter in their basements.

Reverend Zieber heard him say to the townspeople, "In a few minutes there will be fighting on your streets." Soon, retreating ambulances and disorganized members of the 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry crowded into the Square, chased by the Confederates. In the meantime, Major Hammond led the New Yorkers to the Public Commons where they began to regroup.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • War, US Civil

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. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, Battle of Hanover Walking Tour series list.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 39° 47.991′ N, 76° 59.042′ W. Marker was in Hanover, Pennsylvania, in York County. Marker was on Frederick Street (Pennsylvania Route 194) 0.1 miles Franklin Street, on the right when traveling east. Located Between Franklin and Baltimore Streets on Frederick Street. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Hanover PA 17331, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Hanover's Underground Railroad Conductors (here, next to this marker); The Hanover Theater (a few steps from this marker); Birthplace of John Luther Long (within shouting distance of this marker); Trailblazing Writers Leader, Long, and Prowell (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hanover Spectator Covers the Battle (within shouting distance of this marker); Kilpatrick Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker); High Noon in Hanover (within shouting distance of this marker); Army of the Potomac (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hanover.

More about this marker. In the upper

Old Hanover Theater image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Henry T. McLin, September 29, 2009

2. Old Hanover Theater

Looking north from the municipal parking lot next to Borough of Hanover administrative offices at 44 Frederick St. Marker is in the left foreground.

right is a photo of the Writ House with the caption, Here General Kilpatrick met with the town leaders explaining: "We have been short of rations for three days. I do not have all my commissary wagons with me."

Below the main photograph are portraits of Major John Hammond, 5th New York Cavalry and Rev. Wm. K. Zieber, Pastor, Emmanuel Reform Church.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, May 10, 2017

3. The Jacob Wirt House Marker

Marker missing.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 1, 2017. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,746 times since then and 25 times this year. Last updated on June 25, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. Photos: 1. submitted on June 29, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on September 30, 2009, by Henry T. McLin of Hanover, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on May 13, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.