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

Col. Murphy's Hotel

 
 
Col. Murphy's Hotel Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, May 18, 2008
1. Col. Murphy's Hotel Marker
Inscription. Built c. 1798 and used as a dormitory of Marshall College, the "Old Mansion House" was acquired by Col. Murphy in 1845 who managed it as a prominent hotel until 1864. It was rumored to be a station on the underground railroad.

Soon to be President James Buchanan nonetheless stopped here in 1856 to address a political gathering. Political foes persuaded some young boys in the crowd to taunt Buchanan about his position on slavery. Other citizens offended at this behavior urged Buchanan to take some action against the youths but he dismissed the matter as the trifle it was.

On July 3, 1863, two Federal troopers of Milroy's command were in the hotel when three scouts of the Confederate 12th Va. Cavalry entered the square. Shooting from behind trees near the hotel's kitchen on West Seminary Street, the Federals killed Pvt. J.W. Albans instantly. One Confederate fled and the other was captured.
 
Erected by George Nalley & Lannie Gordon.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RREducationIndustry & CommerceWar, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #15 James Buchanan series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1836.
 
Location. 39° 
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49.686′ N, 77° 54.236′ W. Marker is in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, in Franklin County. Marker is at the intersection of S. Main Street and Seminary Street, on the right when traveling south on S. 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. The Irwin House (a few steps from this marker); John Darby, Lot 14, 1786 (a few steps from this marker); James Buchanan (within shouting distance of this marker); Citizens Seized (within shouting distance of this marker); Ambush at Mercersburg (within shouting distance of this marker); Buchanan House (within shouting distance of this marker); Lane House (within shouting distance of this marker); President Buchanan’s Home (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mercersburg.
 
Col. Murphy's Hotel Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 22, 2012
2. Col. Murphy's Hotel Marker
Col. Murphy's Hotel image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, May 18, 2008
3. Col. Murphy's Hotel
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on December 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,823 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos:   1. submitted on May 31, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.   2. submitted on August 23, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.   3. submitted on May 31, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.

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Mar. 19, 2024