Military Stables and Barracks
Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
This long building was used as military stables during the Revolution. On opposite side of street, stood the Barracks where British and Hessians were imprisoned during that period.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
During the American Revolution, Lancaster was a bustling inland town far from the coast, which made it a natural place to hold prisoners of war. This building served as military stables, while across the street stood barracks where captured British regulars and Hessian mercenaries were confined. Thousands of such prisoners were marched into Pennsylvania's interior towns for safekeeping after battles like Trenton and Saratoga.
Why it matters
It marks how towns well behind the front lines became essential to the Revolutionary war effort, quartering troops and guarding the enemy soldiers whose capture helped turn the war.
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Related events
- · American Revolution
Themes & tags
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