Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Dr. Benjamin Rush
Founder of Dickinson College
Rush was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a representative at the Continental Congress and the physician general of the Continental Army. An influential advocate for American independence, the Philadelphia native was consulted by Thomas Paine on the writing of Common Sense and maintained close relationships with presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who appointed Rush treasurer of the U.S. Mint in 1797. Considered the father of American psychiatry, Rush was the first American doctor to champion humane care for the mentally ill. He also was a vocal proponent of the abolition of slavery, prison reform and universal health care and education.
Rush worked closely with John Montgomery, a prominent Carlisle merchant, soldier and politician, to expand the local grammar school into Dickinson College in 1783.
Opposed to the European higher-education model of learning for learning's sake, Rush steered Dickinson toward providing a useful liberal-arts education that prepares young people for lives of engaged citizenship. He remained a dedicated trustee of the college throughout his life.
Rush considered Carlisle, which was then on the edge of the western frontier, to be an ideal location for Dickinson's new, distinctly American form of higher learning. "Highly favored Village of Carlisle!" he wrote after one of several visits. "Your hills...shall ere long awaken our young philosophers from their slumbers to trace the planets in their courses."
Erected by Historic Carlisle, Inc.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #02 John Adams, the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, and the Signers of the Declaration of Independence series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 2004.
Location. 40° 12.121′ N, 77° 11.638′ W. Marker is in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of West High Street (U.S. 11) and North West Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The John Dickinson Campus of Dickinson College (here, next to this marker); The President’s House (within shouting distance of this marker); George Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Dr. Benjamin Rush (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); West College: A National Historic Landmark (about 300 feet away); Dickinson’s Historic Triangle (about 400 feet away); Dickinson College (about 400 feet away); Dickinson College during the Gettysburg Campaign (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlisle.
Also see . . . Benjamin Rush at FindAGrave.com. (Submitted on May 1, 2015, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 14, 2018. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2015, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 841 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 1, 2015, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on August 18, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.