York in York County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Riding the Rails of History
The Northern Central Railway was a major conduit for the transportation of troops and supplies from the North to the Virginia Theater. Early in the Civil War, raiding parties destroyed bridges along the Northern Central Railway just south of York County in Maryland. To respond to this threat, the York Rifles and Worth Infantry from York were ordered to Baltimore County and positioned to guard the railroad. Over the next several weeks, thousands of troops arrived in York, many by rail, and were stationed at Camp Scott, located at the York Fairgrounds, southeast of downtown.
In the days leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg, Confederate cavalry destroyed railroad bridges around York, isolating the community. After the battle, damaged bridges were repaired, and more than 15,580 wounded soldiers were processed through Hanover Junction's rail station, located 10.6 miles south of this point. More than 1,000 wounded were brought to York by the railroad. York County's Heritage Rail-Trail passes through here and extends southward to the Mason-Dixon Line. In addition to Hanover Junction, trail users can visit Howard Tunnel, one of the oldest rail tunnels in the world. This tunnel was guarded by the Pennsylvania Militia during the war.
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Civil War Trails series list.
Location. 39° 57.67′ N, 76° 43.933′ W. Marker has been reported unreadable. Marker is in York, Pennsylvania, in York County. Marker is at the intersection of West Market Street (Pennsylvania Route 74/462) and Heritage Rail Trail County Park, on the left when traveling east on West Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 W Market St, York PA 17401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Captain Michael Doudel's Company (a few steps from this marker); Korean War Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); In the Old Court House here at York (within shouting distance of this marker); York County (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary War Patriots (within shouting distance of this marker); York (within shouting distance of this marker); Flowing Through Time (within shouting distance of this marker); The Articles of Confederation (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in York.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 120 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 8, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
