Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Carlisle, Pennsylvania is a charming gem of a town found in the South-Central portion of the state.  Founded in 1751, Carlisle retains the quaint atmosphere and wonderful architecture of its early years.  History is revered here, and many buildings date back to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.  The old courthouse still stands, complete with the scars it received from shelling just before the Battle of Gettysburg.  Molly Pitcher, a Revolutionary War Heroine, lies buried in the Carlisle cemetery.

Serving as county seat to the spectacularly beautiful Cumberland County, gently rolling hills and shimmering streams and lakes surround Carlisle.  Strategically located just off Interstate 81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the state capitol of Harrisburg lies only thirty minutes away.  The major metropolises of Philadelphia, Washington DC and Baltimore are a two-hour drive, and residents from these cities enjoy this lovely rural area as an escape from their hectic daily living.

Carlisle residents celebrate life with their many wonderful year-round festivals.  Nationally known car, truck and motorcycle shows are held in the warmer months, along with a Mini-Indy Race in June.  The historic Downtown District is a natural place to host the many antique shows, as well as arts and craft festivals.  Unique boutiques and specialty shops await the downtown visitor, as well as a variety of antique stores and art galleries filled with rare treasures.  Dining is a treat in itself, with many up-scale and fine-dining restaurants to choose from, as well as small cafes serving local, homemade fare.  The town of Carlisle's reputation for its superb array of restaurants draws customers from as far away as the DC area.

The Census 2000 counted Carlisle residents at almost 18,000.  Cumberland County itself was reported with a population of more than 213,000.  Carlisle serves as an educational center for the county, being home to three institutes of higher learning: Dickinson College, the U.S. Army War College and the John Dickinson School of Law.  The colleges also provide many cultural entertainment opportunities for the residents.

Carlisle received the honor of 'Outstanding Community of the Year' in 2003, from the Pennsylvania Chamber for Business and Industry.  The Chamber recognized Carlisle's unique atmosphere and the steadfast commitment to its history and past, as well as forward-thinking leadership and strong community involvement.  While family-owned mom and pop stores are the norm for Carlisle, and will be protected and revered, the economic draw of such retailers as Home Depot, Wal-Mart and Lowe's are recognized also.  The Murata Business Center was developed for incoming new firms and is home to the software corporation Pest Patrol, Automation System Interconnect, Inc and SE Moulding as well as other industries.

Carlisle, Pennsylvania is well balanced between the graciousness of yesterday and the excitement of tomorrow.  With strong family values, excellent quality of life and community commitment to preserving all of these, Carlisle shines as a truly wonderful place to live, work or visit.

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