Barlow, Pennsylvania facts for kids

Barlow, also known as Horner's Mill during the Civil War, is a small community in Adams County, Pennsylvania. It sits between the famous Gettysburg Battlefield and the Mason–Dixon line. You can find it where Rock Creek meets Pennsylvania Route 134.

The main building in Barlow is the 1939 community hall. This hall belongs to the Barlow Volunteer Fire Company. It's a place where people in Cumberland Township go to vote. Even former President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife Mamie used this hall after buying their nearby farm. President Eisenhower even became an honorary member of the fire company in 1955!

Horner's Mill was important during the Civil War. In 1861, the Union soldiers set up camp here. The covered bridge over Rock Creek was used by soldiers, including those from the II Corps. General George G. Meade, a key Union leader, also crossed this bridge on his way to the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg.

Barlow is close to U.S. Route 15. It has several intersections with Taneytown Road. These roads connect Barlow to other nearby towns like Greenmount, Round Top, and Harney, Maryland. South of Barlow, you can find the Spangler-Benner Farm, which is a historic site.

A Look Back: History of Barlow

Barlow has a long history, especially around the mill and its role in the Civil War.

Early Days and the Mill

The area around Barlow was settled a long time ago. In 1738, a man named Robert Black settled here. He built a mill on Rock Creek in 1787. This mill used a water wheel to grind grain. It was known as Black's Mill.

Over the years, the mill changed hands. In 1825, a flood damaged the mill's dam. Later, George W. Horner and then Silas Miles Horner owned the mill, which is why the area became known as Horner's Mill. By 1858, maps showed "S Horner Saw & Grist Mill" on Rock Creek.

A covered bridge was built near Black's Mill in 1841. This bridge was part of the road connecting Gettysburg to Taneytown, Maryland.

Barlow During the Civil War

Barlow, or Horner's Mill, played a small but important role in the American Civil War.

• 1861: In May 1861, Union cavalry soldiers from Carlisle Barracks camped at Horner's Mill.
• July 1, 1863: On the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Union troops used the roads and bridges around Horner's Mill. General Oliver O. Howard's divisions marched through Horner's Mill on their way to Gettysburg. They passed the mill around 10:30 a.m.
• Later on July 1: General Winfield Scott Hancock's troops also used the covered bridge and a nearby river crossing to reach Gettysburg. Later that night, General George G. Meade, the commander of the Union Army, crossed the Horner's Mill bridge on his way to Gettysburg.
• July 2, 1863: The II Corps (Union Army) left their camp near Horner's Mill early in the morning. They arrived at Cemetery Ridge by 7 a.m., ready for battle.
• July 3, 1863: Before a cavalry charge, General Elon J. Farnsworth's Union cavalry watered their horses near the Horner's Mill covered bridge.
• After the Battle: On July 6 and 7, 1863, Union troops, including the XI Corps (Union Army) and XII Corps (Union Army), passed through Horner's Mill as they moved away from the Gettysburg Battlefield.

Community Life in Barlow

Barlow is more than just a historic site; it's a lively community.

The Barlow Volunteer Fire Company

The Barlow Volunteer Fire Company was started in 1931. Volunteers would respond to fire calls, first alerted by a fire bell, and later by a siren. The company held its first community event, an ox roast, in October 1931. They continue to serve the area today.

Famous Visitors and Community Spirit

As mentioned earlier, President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife Mamie were connected to Barlow. They used the community hall as their polling place. President Eisenhower even became an honorary member of the fire company.

In 1939, the Barlow 4-H club was formed at the Horner's school house. This club helps young people learn new skills and get involved in their community. Around 1940, the Barlow Baseball Club also built a field near the fire hall. This shows the strong community spirit in Barlow.

The community also holds a bi-annual community day. This event replaced a longer July carnival, bringing people together for fun and celebration.

Images for kids

• 

  Civil War map showing Horner's Mill and nearby features.