York in York County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
York surrenders to save city
Photographed By Henry T. McLin, September 29, 2009
1. York surrenders to save city Marker
Marker is in the Northeast quadrant of the Square.
In 1863, York became the largest Northern town occupied by the Confederate Army. The center of one of the richest farming regions in the Union, York was virtually defenseless as the Rebels approached. When Major General Jubal A. Early neared, the mayor and a committee of citizens met them to surrender the city. On June 28, Early moved into the court house and his brigades took over the U.S. Army Hospital on Penn Common, the York Fairgrounds, market sheds, and the mills north of town.
Early wanted supplies for his troops, so he demanded bread, sugar, coffee, molasses, meat, socks, hats, 2,000 pairs of shoes, and $100,000 from the citizens of York. If they failed to meet his demands, he threatened to sack the town. The townspeople found most of what he asked for, except they could scrape together only $28,600. Early was satisfied and spared the town.
York's leaders had agreed not to resist in return for peaceful occupation. As a result, the Confederates allowed the Yorkers to pass freely within the town. the residents interacted regularly with the occupiers, most of whom came from Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Louisiana.
Erected 2009 by Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil
this page online
Location. 39° 57.753′ N, 76° 43.659′ W. Marker is unreadable. Marker is in York, Pennsylvania, in York County. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: York PA 17403, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Articles of Confederation (here, next to this marker); McClean House (a few steps from this marker); Trolley Master Station (a few steps from this marker); Continental Treasury (a few steps from this marker); The Underground Railroad and Precursors to War (a few steps from this marker); Provincial Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Continental Congress (within shouting distance of this marker); Black Horse Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in York.
More about this marker. In the center is a drawing of the York town square. In the lower center is a facsimile of the Receipt for payment of $28,600, the price to spare the town of York from destruction.
Also see . . . The surrender: did York really have a choice?. Cannonball Blog entry (Submitted on March 20, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Shane Oliver, July 23, 2022
2. York surrenders to save city Marker
Marker is significantly weathered and partially unreadable.
Photographed By Henry T. McLin, September 29, 2009
3. Looking north from S. George St. Marker is in left forefront.
Photographed By Shane Oliver, July 23, 2022
4. York surrenders to save city Marker
The “Articles of Confederation” and “McClean House” markers can be seen behind this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2009, by Henry T. McLin of Hanover, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,399 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 30, 2009, by Henry T. McLin of Hanover, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on August 22, 2022, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on September 30, 2009, by Henry T. McLin of Hanover, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on August 22, 2022, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
