Mercersburg in Franklin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Steiger House at Mercersburg

Photographed By Robert H. Moore, II, April 25, 2009

1. Steiger House at Mercersburg Marker

Inscription. Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart, during the first Chambersburg Raid (October 1862), stopped in Mercersburg at Bridgeside, the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Steiger. He intended to use the house as his headquarters while his troops rounded up supplies and civilian hostages from the town. However, Mrs. Steiger informed Stuart that her husband was away on business and that her children had measles. She suggested it might not be safe to enter her home. Stuart complied and settled for having lunch on a side porch.

Ironically, as the rebels moved out of town towards Chambersburg later in the day, they encountered a livestock dealer and seized his horses and wagon and took him hostage. The rebels did not know he was George Steiger. That evening, when they allowed him to seek forage for his horses, Steiger managed to escape from his captors by hiding in a cornfield. Traveling by a circuitous route to avoid recapture, Steiger returned to Bridgeside around 1 a.m. to find a large group of neighbors gathered to console his wife and children. All were amazed when a tired and wet George Steiger walked in the back door.

Erected 2009 by Pennsylvania Civil War Trails.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.

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In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Civil War Trails series list.

Location. 39° 49.853′ N, 77° 54.262′ W. Marker is in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, in Franklin County. Marker is on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mercersburg PA 17236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Stuart's Headquarters (a few steps from this marker); William Findlay (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named William Findlay (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lot No. 26 (about 400 feet away); Lot 32 (about 700 feet away); Captain Robert Parker House (about 800 feet away); President Buchanan’s Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lane House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mercersburg.

More about this marker. The marker displays A daguerreotype photograph of George C. and Katherine Steiger and their two children, John and Adam (far right), courtesy of Thomas B. Steiger, Jr. A photo shows The Steiger House or “Bridgeside,” courtesy of Thomas B. Steiger, Jr.

Photographed By Robert H. Moore, II, April 25, 2009

2. Steiger House at Mercersburg Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 2, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,724 times since then and 32 times this year. Last updated on July 10, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 2, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.