Cashtown Inn
The Cashtown Inn, located in Cashtown, Pennsylvania, just a few miles from Gettysburg, is steeped in historical significance due to its role during the American Civil War, particularly in the events leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg. This historic inn not only served as a crucial waypoint for Confederate forces but also stands as a testament to the rich and tumultuous history of the region. Today, the Cashtown Inn is a notable landmark that attracts history enthusiasts and visitors intrigued by its storied past and reputed hauntings.
The Cashtown Inn was built in 1797 by Peter Mark, who received a license to operate a tavern at the location. The inn was named after the town’s founder, Samuel Cassat, who operated a store and made cash payments for goods, which was unusual at the time and led to the town being named “Cashtown.” The inn quickly became a central hub for travelers and locals alike, providing lodging, food, and drink.
During the Civil War, the Cashtown Inn gained strategic importance due to its location on the Chambersburg Turnpike, a major route leading into Gettysburg. This made it a critical point for troop movements and supply lines for both Union and Confederate forces.
In late June 1863, the Cashtown Inn played a pivotal role as the Confederate Army, under General Robert E. Lee, advanced into Pennsylvania. The inn became a headquarters for Confederate generals, including General A.P. Hill. Hill’s corps used the inn and the surrounding area to stage and prepare for their advance towards Gettysburg.
The presence of Confederate troops at the Cashtown Inn directly preceded the Battle of Gettysburg. On June 30, 1863, elements of Hill’s corps, including the divisions of Henry Heth and William Dorsey Pender, camped near the inn. It was from Cashtown that General Heth sent a reconnaissance force towards Gettysburg, which encountered Union cavalry, leading to the first skirmishes of the battle on July 1, 1863.
Following the Battle of Gettysburg, the Cashtown Inn continued to serve as a refuge and gathering place for soldiers and civilians. The inn’s proximity to the battlefield meant it was part of the broader recovery efforts, hosting wounded soldiers and weary travelers.
Over the years, the Cashtown Inn has undergone various changes and restorations to preserve its historical integrity. The current owners have maintained its 19th-century charm, ensuring that visitors can experience a piece of history when they stay at the inn.
The Cashtown Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical significance and ensuring its preservation for future generations. This designation highlights the inn’s importance as a site of historical memory and its role in the broader narrative of the Civil War.
The inn serves as an educational resource, offering visitors insights into the Civil War era and the events leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg. The owners provide historical tours and share stories about the inn’s past, including its role during the Confederate occupation.
The Cashtown Inn is reputed to be haunted, with numerous reports of paranormal activity. Visitors and staff have reported unexplained noises, footsteps, and apparitions, particularly those of Confederate soldiers. These accounts have made the inn a popular destination for paranormal investigators and enthusiasts.
The inn is a featured location on ghost tours of the Gettysburg area, where guides share tales of its haunted history along with the documented historical events. Paranormal investigations are also conducted at the inn, blending historical interest with the allure of the supernatural.
The Cashtown Inn in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is a site of significant historical importance. Its role in the events leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg, its occupation by Confederate forces, and its continued preservation as a historic landmark all contribute to its enduring legacy. The inn not only offers a window into the past for history enthusiasts but also attracts those intrigued by its paranormal reputation. The Cashtown Inn remains a vital part of the rich tapestry of Civil War history, ensuring that the stories of that tumultuous time are remembered and honored.
New ownership of the Inn, Jeremy and Danielle, sat down with us to discuss the renovations and their experiences. When asked if they were believers or skeptics, Jeremy relplied, “If you would’ve asked us before we bought the place, we would’ve both said absolutely not.”
Danielle added, “When we were thinking about buying the inn, we had people asking us, ‘what about the ghosts?’ At the time, I wasn’t necessarily a believer, it would have to be right in our face, no doubt something happened. And the first thing that happened, was very much that”.
Jeremy explains further, “the door literally unlatched itself, paused for a few seconds, shut, then latched again. There were no doors open, there was no draft, which is what I would have attributed it to, but it was the unlatching part. Like, you heard it unlatch. There were three of us talking in the lounge, and we all stopped. All we could really do is start laughing.”
When asked about the guests that come visit the Haunted Cashtown Inn “I hate to even use the word haunted, but there certainly are things that happen that we can’t explain. Guests come down so often and tell me their experiences, I just kind of shake my head and nod. I think it’s great. I’d say about 40% of the people that stay are absolutely into the paranormal, the rest are sort of a hybrid. They love he history, but they are also curious about the haunt. Then there are a few that want absolutely nothing to do with the paranormal.”
“We’ve had numerous people ask us about possibly writing about Cashtown because I’ve spent the last 3 years just digging in on the history. Primarily Civil War History, since that’s what I get asked about more often. Most people don’t realize that the south never intended to fight in Gettysburg, that was not part of the original plan. So all that stuff leading up to the original plan, and the events that actually led into Gettysburg, the amount of people that were here prior to Gettysburg, it’s crazy to think about. It’s neat.
“Our endgame here, is to really try and get Cashtown back on the map. We would love to have the reenactors back here to at least bring it back to what it once was. It’s a fun place, it’s a loving place, it’s a great atmosphere.” Jeremy added.
If you would like to book a night at the Historic Cashtown Inn, go to:
www.cashtowninn.com