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Greencastle is a borough located in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. As of 2000, Greencastle was home to approximately 3,722 people. Greencastle covers a total area of 1.6 square miles in south-central Pennsylvania.

Greencastle History

John Allison, who was a colonel in the Cumberland County militia, founded Greencastle in 1782. Greencastle was named after a small town in Northern Ireland. He laid out 256 lots in four blocks and sold them for $8 each. Greencastle was incorporated as a borough in March 1805 by an act of the Pennsylvania Assembly. At that time there were 800 people in the community.

In the beginning of the American Civil War, Greencastle and communities in Franklin County raised the 126th Pennsylvania Infantry. In 1863, the war came close to Greencastle when General Robert E. Lee invaded lower Pennsylvania. From June to July, residents still left in Greencastle lived under Confederate rule. After the Battle of Gettysburg, Lee’s troops began to retreat to Virginia.

After the Civil War, Greencastle continued to grow considerably. The Industrial Revolution was a prosperous time for Greencastle as the town was home to many industrial factories, including the Crowell Manufacturing Company.

Greencastle Parks and Recreation

Greencastle is home to many beautiful parks for all residents and visitors of the community to enjoy. The Parks and Recreation Department of Greencastle strives to provide a safe, fun, and clean environment for all residents and visitors.

Antrim Township Community Park

Antrim Township Community Park covers 136 acres and is situated along the Conococheague Creek and is adjacent to Martins Mill Bridge.

Martins Mill Bridge Park

Martins Mill Bridge was built in 1849. In 1973 the bridge was rehabilitated after being carried downstream by flood waters during Hurricane Agnes. It is one of only two covered bridges in Franklin County and it is the largest lattice type bridge in Pennsylvania. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

Enoch Brown Park

Enoch Brown Park is located three miles northwest of Greencastle. The three-acre park offers a pavilion, walking trails, and play equipment.

The Enoch Brown Park was the site of the Enoch Brown School massacre that took place in 1764 during the Pontiac Wars. A common grave and monument mark the site of this historical event where eleven school children and their teacher were attacked by Indians. For more history surrounding this event the Antrim Allison Museum makes available on line a copy of an address by Gerald Cump.

Greencastle Events

Greencastle offers many exciting events throughout the year. The two biggest events are Heritage Christmas and Old Home Week, which occurs every three years. Your family and friends will never be bored here in Greencastle with many festivals, shows, and other fun opportunities taking place.

Heritage Christmas
Every year in Greencastle there is a Tree-Lighting Ceremony the Friday evening before Thanksgiving. The following morning you will find all members of the Greencastle community enjoying the annual Christmas Parade. The Heritage Christmas event offers residents the perfect way to bring in the holiday spirit. Come listen to seasonal music, visit Santa, or take an old-fashioned horse and buggy tour of the town.

Old Home Week
Every three years in August Old Home Week takes place. It was started in 1902 by Philip Baer, who organized an Old Boys’ Reunion. The event was such a success in 1902 that they decided to do it again in three years and bring their wives. Thus a tradition was born. People come from across the county to Greencastle to participate in class reunions, historic displays, a pageant, concerts, fireworks, and more.

Carnival
The Greencastle Carnival is sponsored by the Greencastle’s Rescue Hose Co. The week-long carnival is held in July at the Special Events Center.

Halloween Party for Children
The Halloween Party for Children is sponsored by Greencastle-Antrim Women’s Club and other organizations. The event is the Thursday before Halloween.

Minstrel Show
Each March, the Minstrel shows are held at the Greencastle-Antrim High School.

Sidewalk Sales Day
Sidewalk Sales Day is sponsored by the Greencastle-Antrim Merchant’s Association.
Come take part in this two day event in the month of July, in which dozens of craft and food vendors line the streets.

For more information about schools in the Greencastle area, please visit my Greencastle area school guide.

For more information about relocation in the Greencastle area, please visit my Greencastle relocation guide.