Hanover in York County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Major General George Armstrong Custer
Photographed By Shane Oliver, October 23, 2021
1. Major General George Armstrong Custer Marker
In the 1850's, J.W. Gitt planted a silver maple near his residence on the spot indicated by the star and circle in the pavement below. Before and after the Battle of Hanover, June 30, 1863, Gen. Custer tied his horse to this tree. After the war, it became known locally as "The Custer Maple," and stood as a living memorial of the historic engagement which occurred here.
Later in the 19th century, borough authorities sought to remove the maple as a public nuisance. In the only court case in which he ever appeared as litigant, a case ultimately decided by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, Mr. Gitt succeeded in preventing the destruction of this tree.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical date for this entry is June 30, 1863.
Location. 39° 48.007′ N, 76° 59.004′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Army of the Potomac (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Army of the Potomac (here, next to this marker); High Noon in Hanover (here, next to this marker); The Battle of Hanover (a few steps from this marker); General George Armstrong Custer (within shouting distance of this marker); Kilpatrick Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker); George Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); Hanover's Underground Railroad Conductors (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hanover.
Also see . . . George Armstrong Custer. Find A Grave website entry (Submitted on July 21, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, January 26, 2008
2. Star and Horseshoes
This marks the place where the silver maple stood.
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, January 26, 2008
3. Major General George Armstrong Custer Marker
Photographed By Larry Gertner, 2017
4. Major General George Armstrong Custer Marker site
Hanover town square with the Town Hall, southeast quardant. The Custer plaque is center screen, behind the lamppost.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 27, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,033 times since then and 26 times this year. Last updated on September 16, 2014, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. Photos: 1. submitted on December 19, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 2, 3. submitted on January 27, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 4. submitted on December 25, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
