BOROUGH OF GREENCASTLE

The Borough of Greencastle has a rich history, due in part to its convenient location in south-central Pennsylvania. The town sits in the Cumberland Valley in the shelter of the Appalachian Mountains. It is just north of the Mason-Dixon Line on the Maryland border. Two main roads intersect Greencastle’s main street, known within borough limits as Baltimore Street, and beyond as Route 16: U.S. 11 and Interstate 81.

Residents easily journey to Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., for work or pleasure, and return home to the comfort of a rural community in Franklin County.

Founded in 1782 by John Allison, Greencastle retains many historic and beautiful buildings. The Scotch-Irish founders chose the name Greencastle after a small town in Ireland. German immigrants also chose to settle here. The population now stands around 4,000 and the borough boundaries were established early at 1.6 square miles.

The Civil War touched Greencastle in a significant way, as Confederate troops marched through before and after the Battle of Gettysburg, and Union Capt. Ulric Dahlgren’s cavalry patrol engaged in a skirmish on Center Square.

Some businesses have served the residents for generations. Carl’s Drug opened in 1825, and the Echo Pilot has been sharing the news since 1849. The First National Bank of Greencastle formed in 1864, and is now BB&T. Atop its building is the Town Clock, a source of pride for residents.

Trains and trolleys met transportation needs before the advent of the automobile.

Passenger and freight trains ran down Carlisle Street, but in 1909 the high line station opened on Jefferson Street. The trolley lines took passengers to Pen Mar Park past Waynesboro, and to Red Bridge Park past Chambersburg. Service was abandoned in 1932. No public transportation has been successful in town since those days.

Greencastle is also proud of some of its notable citizens from the past. Philip E. Baer became a famous concert singer at the turn of the 20th century. Henry P.

Greencastle Borough Hall is located at 60 N. Washington St.

Fletcher was a U.S. ambassador in the early 1900s.

The citizens thrive on tradition, especially gathering the first week of August every three years for Old Home Week. It began in 1902 at the suggestion of Baer, and draws thousands of people “back home” for a multitude of activities. The next celebration is Aug. 6 to 13, 2022.

Greencastle is governed by a borough council that meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month in borough hall. Borough hall underwent a half-million renovation in 2019 that enhances safety, improves efficiency and meets Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Water services are handled by Greencastle Area, Franklin County, Water Authority and sewer is under the supervision of Greencastle, Franklin County, Authority.

Greencastle is also served by a Planning and Zoning Commission, Civil Service Commission, Shade Tree Commission and Zoning Hearing Board.

For more information call 717-597-7143 or visit: www.greencastlepa.gov g