List of Pennsylvania state historical markers in Lebanon County facts for kids
Have you ever seen a special sign by the road that tells a story about the past? These are called historical markers! In Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, there are 32 official state historical markers. They are placed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). These markers help us learn about important places, people, and events that happened right here in Lebanon County.
Let's explore some of these cool markers and discover the history they share!
Forts and Early Settlements
Long ago, pioneers built forts to protect themselves. These markers tell us about those times.
Blue Mountain Forts: Protecting the Frontier
This marker, placed in 1949, is near Harper Tavern. It reminds us of the forts built during the French and Indian War. These forts helped protect early settlers from attacks. It's a reminder of how tough life was back then!
Fort Swatara: A Place of Defense
Dedicated in 1999, this marker is north of Lickdale. It marks the spot of Fort Swatara. This fort was also important during the French and Indian War. It shows how people worked together for safety.
Fort Zeller: A Stronghold of History
You can find this marker in Newmanstown, placed in 1947. Fort Zeller was a strong building used for protection. It tells us about the early days of settlement and conflicts with Native American tribes.
Reed's Fort: Another Frontier Outpost
This marker, from 1949, is west of Ono. Reed's Fort was another key defense point. It played a role in the French and Indian War. These forts were vital for survival in the wilderness.
Swatara Gap: A Strategic Location
Near Lickdale, this 1947 marker highlights Swatara Gap. This area was important for travel and defense. It was a natural pathway and a place where forts were built. It shows how geography shaped history.
Iron Industry and Business
Lebanon County was once a big center for making iron. These markers show us where this important industry thrived.
Cornwall Banks: Rich Iron Ore
This marker, placed in 1947, is in Cornwall. It points to the Cornwall Banks, which were huge sources of iron ore. This ore was essential for making iron. It was a very valuable resource!
Cornwall Furnace: Making Iron for America
There are a few markers for the Cornwall Furnace, showing its importance. One was placed in 1948 at the furnace site in Cornwall. Another, from 2005, is near Quentin. The Cornwall Furnace was a major iron-making factory. It even made cannons and supplies during the American Revolution. It was a very busy place!
Grubb's First Forge: Early Iron Production
In Cornwall, this 1967 marker tells about Grubb's First Forge. A forge is where iron is shaped using heat and hammers. This was an early step in the iron industry in the area.
Union Forge: Another Iron Landmark
Near Lickdale, this marker points to Union Forge. It was another important place for making iron. These forges were like early factories, creating tools and materials for a growing country.
Important People and Their Stories
Many interesting people lived in Lebanon County. Some markers tell their stories.
Jacob Albright: A Religious Leader
This marker, from 1967, is in Kleinfeltersville. It honors Jacob Albright, a religious leader. He founded a new church group. His work shows the importance of faith in the community.
James Lick: A Man of Science
Near Fredericksburg, this 1947 marker celebrates James Lick. He was a successful businessman who became a scientist. He gave a lot of money to build the Lick Observatory in California. He helped advance science!
John Walter: Music and Faith
West of Ono, this 1947 marker remembers John Walter. He was known for his music and religious work. He helped spread hymns and religious songs.
Lindley Murray: Educator and Writer
Several markers, placed in 1947, honor Lindley Murray near Harper Tavern. He was a famous writer and grammarian. He wrote popular English grammar books. His work helped many people learn to read and write better.
Military History
Lebanon County has a strong connection to military history, especially with Indiantown Gap.
Indiantown Gap Military Reservation: A Training Ground
Multiple markers, from 1947, highlight the Indiantown Gap Military Reservation. This huge area has been a vital training center for soldiers for many years. It played a big role in both World Wars and continues to be important today.
Transportation Corps Unit Training Center
At Fort Indiantown Gap, this 2008 marker recognizes the Transportation Corps Unit Training Center. This center trained soldiers in moving supplies and troops. It shows how important logistics are in the military.
Canals and Transportation
Canals were like early highways for boats. They helped move goods and people.
Union Canal: A Waterway of Commerce
Several markers, placed around 1950, point to the Union Canal. This canal was a major way to transport coal and other goods across Pennsylvania. It helped connect different parts of the state.
Union Canal Tunnel: An Engineering Marvel
Near Lebanon, this 1947 marker celebrates the Union Canal Tunnel. This tunnel was a big achievement for its time. It allowed boats to pass through a hill, making the canal route shorter. It's the oldest existing transportation tunnel in the United States!
Other Interesting Markers
Lebanon County: Its Own Story
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This marker, placed in 1982 at the County-Municipal Building in Lebanon, tells about the county itself. It covers topics like farming, government, and religion in Lebanon County's history.
Pennsylvania Chautauqua: Learning and Fun
In Mt. Gretna, this 2002 marker highlights The Pennsylvania Chautauqua. This was a place for education, arts, and religious gatherings. People would come here to learn and enjoy cultural events.
Schaefferstown Water Company: Early Public Water
This 1995 marker in Schaefferstown tells about the Schaefferstown Water Company. It was one of the earliest public water systems in the country. It shows how communities worked to provide important services.
Sattazahn Lutheran Church: A Historic Place of Worship
North of Murray, this 1980 marker is at the Sattazahn Lutheran Church. This church has a long history, dating back to early settlements. It played a role during the American Revolution.
Tulpehocken Evangelical and Reformed Church
East of Myerstown, this 1954 marker points to the Tulpehocken Evangelical and Reformed Church. It's another historic building that tells a story about the religious life of the area.
Images for kids
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A placeholder image for Indiantown marker
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A placeholder image for Indiantown Gap marker
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A placeholder image for One Red Rose - PLAQUE marker
See also
- List of Pennsylvania state historical markers
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania
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