Peters Township near Cove Gap in Franklin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
James Buchanan
The Early Years
"It is a rugged but romantic spot, and the mountain and mountain stream under the scenery captivating. I have warm attachments for it…"James Buchanan on Stony Batter
The Buchanans enjoyed living on the edge of the wilderness. Just across the mountains was the western frontier. Pack trains of up to 15 horses stopped here daily and were young James’ link to the wilder-ness. He saw packhorses from the west load-ed with whiskey and the furs of wolf, bear, panther and beaver. He saw freight wagons from the east filled with farm tools, cloth and salt. These were exciting times for a young lad. The unbroken forest lay at his doorstep, providing endless opportunities for adventure. Some even say James’ mother tied a bell on him to prevent losing him among the rocks and brush of Tuscarora Mountain.
When James was six years old, he moved from the deep woods to the civility of nearby Mercerburg, where his father owned a store. He began his education under the tutelage of his mother and later attended Old Stone Academy in Mercersburg. At age 16, James entered Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa. Although he struggled at times to conform to the formal setting of the college, he graduated with honors in 1809. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Lancaster, Pa., then the capital of the state, to further his studies, become a lawyer and begin his political career.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #15 James Buchanan series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1809.
Location. 39° 52.27′ N, 77° 57.222′ W. Marker is near Cove Gap, Pennsylvania, in Franklin County. It is in Peters Township. Marker is on Stoney Batter Road, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located in Buchanan’s Birthplace State Park. 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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A Quest for Honor (here, next to this marker); Stony Batter (here, next to this marker); Birthplace of James Buchanan (a few steps from this marker); President James Buchanan (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Stony Batter (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named James Buchanan (approx. 0.6 miles away); Black Boys Rebellion (approx. 3.4 miles away); Big Spring Graveyard (approx. 3.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cove Gap.
More about this marker. A photo of Buchanan’s birth cabin appears at the upper right of the marker. It includes the caption “The Buchanan cabin is on the campus of Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, Pa.”
Under this is a photo of “Dickinson College Old West Building, built in 1803, where Buchanan attended class.”
Also see . . . Biography of James Buchanan. White House website. (Submitted on August 22, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 536 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 22, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.