HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Dr. Henry Harbaugh

Washington Township, Franklin County, Pennsylvania

Marker Inscription

Pennsylvania-German author, theologian, and educator, 1817-1867, was born one and one-half miles distant. The house is marked by a monument.

Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

The Story

Dr. Henry Harbaugh (1817–1867), born a mile and a half from here, became a leading voice of Pennsylvania-German culture as an author, theologian, and educator. He wrote hymns and poetry in the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect, helping preserve a folk tradition that might otherwise have faded, and taught in the German Reformed church. A monument marks the house where his life began.

Why it matters

It honors a champion of Pennsylvania-German heritage whose writing kept a distinctive American immigrant culture and dialect alive.

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