160th Anniversary - The Shelling of Carlisle

This year marks the 160th Anniversary of The Shelling of Carlisle in 1863. One of the most harrowing events in the town’s long and memorable history. To commemorate the event Historic Carlisle Inc. is hosting a one day only reenactment on Saturday June 10th, 2023. The action packed day will begin at 10am on W. High St. in the middle of the beautiful downtown Historic District. Hear the lively airs of Civil War songs just as the soldiers would have heard, played by the Carlisle Brass Band. Kids will have the opportunity to enlist in the PA Militia and be instructed in the drill and tactics of a Civil War soldier. As part of Historic Carlisle’s Civil War Building Plaque program there will be a walking tour with unveilings of new plaques that have been placed on High Street and a short history of each location. Well known and accomplished authors on The Civil War and The Cumberland Valley will be on hand for book signings and presentations. See artifacts that pertain to Carlisle’s rich history on display at the Cumberland County Historical Society and on the street at The National Civil War Museum’s display tent. Military demonstrations will include Artillery, Infantry, Medical, and a 19th Century Saber and Bayonet Drill. At 3pm the Reenactment of The Shelling of Carlisle will commence. Watch first hand as Confederate troops enter the town and demand supplies from the citizens. Union troops recapture the town and are forced to stave off a bombardment from enemy artillery. Feel the cannon’s roar as shells fly overhead and crash into the streets of town. Hear stories as told by the civilians and soldiers who lived through those turbulent days of 1863. At the conclusion of the reenactment, at 5pm, the Sons of Union Veterans will be holding a ceremony at the Civil War Monument on the Square to honor the brave souls from Cumberland County who gave their all for the Union. To wrap up the evening there will be a special showing of the Director’s Cut of the film “Gettysburg” in the historic Carlisle Theatre at 7:30pm. The day long event is free to the public and has something for everyone of all ages.