The early settlers found it necessary to build forts to protect themselves from attacks by the hostile Indians. These were buildings that the settlers could run to for protection, they had portholes for their guns.
One of these, Fort Gilchrist, was located about a mile west of Linglestown and is presently a home.
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| Fort Gilchrist now |
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| Fort Gilchrist then |
Another fort, Barnett's Fort, was located two miles west of Linglestown.
Patton's Fort was a stone fort. As many as 16 soldiers were stationed there during the French and Indian War. It was torn down around 1896. You will see this historical marker in front of the Metro Bank on Linglestown Rd.
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| Patton's Fort |
There were at least eleven more forts scattered throughout Paxton Township. They were: Forts Ott, Hunter, Berryhill, Macky, Stewart, Crawford, Robinson, Swatara, Weidman, Sugar and the Halfway House.
I grew up in Fort Gilchrist. I wish someone would designate it as a Historical place! There was a spring house behind it and a huge white birch tree where an indian was buried. The basement had a huge fireplace with a large black kettle. It was also a stop for the underground railroad as a safe place for fleeing slaves.
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