Hessian Powder Magazine

The Hessian Powder Magazine is a military storage building at Carlisle Barracks originally constructed to hold gunpowder and ammunition. The stone structure features thick walls and a vaulted roof designed to protect the contents from fire and explosions.

Built in 1777 during the Revolutionary War, this facility stored gunpowder and ammunition for General George Washington's Continental Army in a protected location. Pennsylvania was chosen because it offered distance from British naval forces operating along the coast.

The building served as part of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School from 1879 to 1918, representing a different chapter in its long history. Today, visitors can observe how the space adapted to different purposes across the decades.

Visitors should arrange tours in advance through the Cumberland County Historical Society, as the building is typically not accessible without a guide. The site accommodates groups of varying sizes and is located within the Carlisle Barracks grounds.

Captured Hessian soldiers from the Battle of Trenton in December 1776 performed the construction work on this magazine. This unexpected labor force helped the Continental forces build critical military infrastructure while using prisoners of war to support the war effort.

Location: Pennsylvania

GPS coordinates: 40.19780,-77.17830

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:26