Carlisle Indian Industrial School

This federal school for indigenous children operated on the grounds of a former military post in Pennsylvania. Several buildings in a revival style stand across a wide campus near the center of Carlisle.

An army officer founded the institution in the late 19th century as the first federally run boarding school outside reservations. The school closed after nearly four decades of operation at the end of World War I.

The institution enforced a strict program that required students to abandon their native languages and customs. Its name reflected a military approach aimed at reshaping young people through drill and fixed routines.

A local historical society offers guided walks around the grounds. Materials for a self-led tour can be picked up at a dedicated heritage center in the town.

A cemetery on the grounds holds nearly two hundred graves of students who died during the years of operation. The headstones carry names of children from many tribes who often lived far from their families.

Location: Cumberland County

Inception: 1879

Architectural style: Colonial Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.20900,-77.17800

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:00