Hanover Explores Its Historic Heart

June 13, 2024 Andrew Smith

“The Picket” on Hanover’s square represents the more than 4,000 Union cavalrymen who fought at Hanover and resembles the scouts that would have been looking for signs of opposing forces. The bronze work was sculpted by Boston artist Cyrus Dallin and paid for by the state of Pennsylvania. Image © Andrew T. Smith of Visual Realia, LLC.

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June 30th, 1863, changed Hanover from a stop on a well-used route to a Civil War battle site whose outcomes impacted the more famous battle to the west in Gettysburg. Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, Brig. Gen. Elon Farnsworth, and Brig. Gen. George A. Custer are all military leaders who influenced the day. The delay that the unexpected fighting caused for Stuart is considered by many to be a crucial factor in the outcome of July 1st through the 3rd in Gettysburg.

"Anthony's History of The Battle of Hanover," published in 1945 by Hanover's Anthony Publishing Company. Signed by William Anthony as the editor, printer, and publisher. Image © Andrew T. Smith of Visual Realia, LLC.

A wide range of events will be held on June 28th and 29th to commemorate Hanover's memorable historical place. There will be wreath layings, reenactors, presentations and discussions, tours, children's book readings, book signings, and a chance to see the famous Electric Map, a historic storytelling tool of the past—right in downtown Hanover, Pennsylvania!

Readers interested in The Heart of Hanover Festival, a celebration of our community's rich history, can check for updates on the HanoverLand: Arts, Music, Food and Fun Facebook page, established by Matthew Jackson. The festival is made possible by the support of our community, including the Borough of Hanover, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Hanover Area Historical Society, the Greater Hanover Area Fire Department Museum, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Cultural Alliance of York County, Main Street Hanover, the If you grew up in Hanover, Pa you remember... Facebook page, and others.

Actor James Hayney, who often portrays Lincoln, is shown admiring The Gettysburg Electric Map in Hanover, 2019. Image © Andrew T. Smith of Visual Realia, LLC.

The Electric Map, initially built for the Battle of Gettysburg's centennial anniversary, was visited by many visitors to Gettysburg during its original lifetime and told the story of the battle via an audio recording and an animated display of lights to show locations on a map of the area. After it was retired from use by the National Park Service, Hanover's Scott Roland purchased this iconic work, moved it to Hanover, and replaced 632 light bulbs and over seven miles of wire.

Local historians and authors Scott Mingus, Sr., John Krepps, Jim McClure, and Dr. Marc Charisse will participate in a roundtable and book signing on Saturday, June 29th, at 10:30 AM.

Thaddeus Stevens, sculpted by Alex Paul Loza, Adams County Courthouse, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Image © Andrew T. Smith of Visual Realia, LLC.

Throughout the weekend, you may find various reenactors downtown, with possibilities such as depictions of Thaddeus Stevens, William Goodridge, Frederick Douglass, and Mary Shaw Leader. On the 29th, you may even spot Mamie Eisenhower shopping downtown! With history in mind, it would be a perfect time to walk the Heart of Hanover Trail, which has a growing number of newly erected historical markers and locations.

Visitors should be certain to visit the excellent Greater Hanover Area Fire Museum, open from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM both days. The impressive collection is located at 134 E. Hanover Street, Hanover.

Celebrants will find much more on the official list, with more details appearing regularly. Mark June 28th and 29th, 2024, on your calendar, and be ready to explore the historic heart of Hanover, PA!