HistoricSiteMarkers
Civil War

Abraham Lincoln

Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania

Marker Inscription

One-half block east of here, on Nov. 18, 1863, Abraham Lincoln spoke briefly to townspeople from his special train. The President was traveling to Gettysburg for the dedication of the National Cemetery.

Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

The Story

On November 18, 1863, a half block east of here, Abraham Lincoln paused during his journey to Gettysburg and spoke briefly to a gathered crowd from his special train. He was on his way to dedicate the National Cemetery there — the occasion for which, the next day, he would deliver the Gettysburg Address. This small trackside moment placed the wartime president, if only for a few minutes, among the ordinary townspeople of Hanover.

Why it matters

It ties a Pennsylvania town to one of the most consequential journeys in American history, on the eve of Lincoln's few immortal words at Gettysburg.

Plan your visit

Nearby

Make a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.

Museums & culture

Food & drink

Places to stay

Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.

Own a business near here? Add it to the map.

Related people

  • · Abraham Lincoln

Themes & tags

Civil WarPresidential SitesLandmark

Nearby & related markers

Battle of Hanover

Hanover, PA · est. 1954

On the morning of June 30, 1863, days before the armies collided at Gettysburg, Confederate horsemen under J.E.B. Stuart clashed with Union cavalry in the streets of Hanover. Stuart's troopers briefly seized the town before the Union counterattack drove them off, and by evening the Confederates withdrew. The running fight helped delay Stuart's raiders and kept them from rejoining Lee's army before the great battle to come.

Civil War

Kilpatrick Headquarters

Hanover, PA · est. 1954

On June 30, 1863, as Confederate cavalry struck the Union rear southeast of town, Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick set up the headquarters of his Third Cavalry Division in this Hanover building. From here he directed the Union response during the fighting that briefly gave Stuart's troopers the town. The episode came just days before the armies met at Gettysburg.

Civil War

Gettysburg Campaign

Penn Township, PA · est. 1947

As the Gettysburg Campaign reached its crisis, Union cavalry under General Judson Kilpatrick scoured the countryside hunting for J.E.B. Stuart's Confederate horsemen. On June 30, 1863, Stuart struck here, but was repulsed. Cut off from Early's departed column, Stuart rode north to Carlisle and did not reach the Gettysburg battlefield until July 2 — a delay that left Lee blind to Union movements at a critical hour.

Civil War

Gettysburg Campaign

Penn Township, PA · est. 1947

In late June 1863, Robert E. Lee's Confederate army swept deep into Pennsylvania, and General Jubal Early's division ranged across York County ahead of the main force. On June 27, men detached by General John B. Gordon passed through Hanover by this route to destroy a railroad bridge at Hanover Junction, cutting Union communications. Their work done, the raiders rejoined Gordon as the armies drew toward a collision at Gettysburg.

Civil War