CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA HISTORY AND LOOKUP
Table of Contents
- In-Print County History Books
- Free Public Domain County History Books
- Related Books
- Concise County History
- Comments & Suggestion
In-Print County History Books
These titles are currently in print and selected for their relevance to local and county history. Click anywhere on the book listing below, each listing links directly to the book’s purchase page.
Book Title TBD
This book is still being located or processed. Details will be added once available.
Free County History Books
This section features a curated collection of county history books sourced from public domain archives. Each book provides valuable insights into local history and heritage. Click anywhere on the book listing below, each listing links directly to the book’s public domain resource.
History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania by Warner Beers & Co., (1886) – 1254 Pages
A massive regional compendium providing a detailed look at the townships, industries, and social institutions of two pivotal Pennsylvania counties. It includes hundreds of biographical sketches of prominent citizens and early settlers alongside statistical data on local schools and churches. The text offers vital insights into late-19th-century Americana.
Two Hundred Years in Cumberland County by Hamilton Library and Historical Association of Cumberland County, (1951) – 402 Pages
This historical work commemorates approximately two centuries of a Pennsylvania community’s development, tracing its origins, settlement patterns, and long-term civic and economic growth. It highlights key events, institutions, and individuals whose contributions shaped the region’s identity over time.
The History and Topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry Counties, Penssylvania by Israel Daniel Rupp, (1846) – 610 Pages
This foundational work by Israel Daniel Rupp explores the early settlement and geographic development of several central Pennsylvania counties. The narrative details the history of indigenous interactions, pioneer life, and the administrative formation of the Susquehanna Valley districts. It remains a cornerstone for antebellum regional studies.
History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania by Warner Beers & Co., (1886) – 1988 Pages
A massive regional compendium providing a detailed look at the townships, industries, and social institutions of two pivotal Pennsylvania counties. It includes hundreds of biographical sketches of prominent citizens and early settlers alongside statistical data on local schools and churches. The text offers vital insights into late-19th-century Americana.
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania in the Civil War, 1861-1865 by John D. Hemminger, (1926) – 156 Pages
This specialized study highlights the economic vitality of Cumberland County by analyzing its transition from an agrarian hub to a diverse commercial center. It provides a snapshot of local trade, infrastructure, and industrial achievements during the early 20th century
Related Books
This section highlights additional county and local history titles that complement the main collection. These books are selected for their relevance, historical value, and research usefulness. Click anywhere on the book listing below, and each listing links directly to the corresponding resource or purchase page.
Book Title TBD
This book is still being located or processed. Details will be added once available.
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania: A Genealogical Overview
As one of Pennsylvania’s most historic counties, Cumberland boasts a rich and complex past tied to the westward expansion of the colonies. Its formation as a vast frontier territory and the subsequent creation of numerous other counties from its original landmass create a unique landscape for genealogical research that requires a careful understanding of shifting boundaries.
I. County Formation and Evolution
Understanding Cumberland’s evolution from a massive parent county is crucial for locating the correct records for early ancestors.
- 1750: County Founded: Cumberland County was formed from the northwestern portion of Lancaster County. Its original territory was immense, covering most of central and western Pennsylvania. The county seat was established at Carlisle.
- 1771: Bedford County Created: The first major division occurred when Bedford County was created from a large western portion of Cumberland County.
- 1772: Northumberland County Created: A portion of Cumberland County was used in the formation of Northumberland County.
- 1784: Franklin County Created: The southern portion of Cumberland County was separated to form Franklin County.
- 1789: Mifflin County Created: A northern portion of Cumberland County was used to create Mifflin County.
- 1820: Perry County Created: The final major division occurred when the land north of the Blue Mountain was separated to form Perry County, establishing Cumberland County’s modern boundaries.
Summary for Genealogists:
- Before 1750: Your ancestor lived in Lancaster County.
- 1750 – 1771: Your ancestor could have lived in what is now Cumberland, Bedford, Franklin, Mifflin, Perry, or other counties. Records are in Cumberland County.
- After 1820: Your ancestor lived within the modern boundaries of Cumberland County.
II. Settlement and Early History
- Early Inhabitants: The region was home to several Native American groups, including the Susquehannock and the Lenape (Delaware) peoples.
- Frontier Settlement: Following its establishment, the Cumberland Valley was heavily settled by Scots-Irish (Scotch-Irish) immigrants, followed by significant numbers of German settlers. The county served as a crucial frontier during the French and Indian War and Pontiac’s War, with Carlisle becoming a key military supply depot. Its economy was primarily based on agriculture.
- Revolutionary War and Early Federal Period: Carlisle was a central point for revolutionary activity and the site of a major ordinance works. The Carlisle Barracks, one of the oldest military posts in the United States, was established during this period. The county was also the site of Dickinson College, founded in 1783. During the Civil War, Confederate forces briefly occupied Carlisle and Mechanicsburg and fought skirmishes in the county just prior to the Battle of Gettysburg.
III. Genealogical Records and Resources
This section provides the practical information needed to locate ancestral records specific to the county.
- Courthouse: Records are maintained by various offices within the county government.
- Cumberland County Courthouse: Located at 1 Courthouse Square, Carlisle, PA 17013. Several offices within the courthouse hold key genealogical records:
- Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court: Holds wills, probate records, estate files, and marriage licenses (from 1885).
- Recorder of Deeds: Holds all land records (deeds, mortgages).
- Prothonotary: Holds civil court records, including naturalization records prior to 1906.
- Cumberland County Courthouse: Located at 1 Courthouse Square, Carlisle, PA 17013. Several offices within the courthouse hold key genealogical records:
- Vital Records:
- Birth and Death Records: Statewide registration in Pennsylvania began in 1906. Records from that date forward are held by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. Records prior to 1906 are inconsistent, but some delayed birth registrations (1893-1905) may be found at the courthouse.
- Marriage Records: Marriage licenses were required starting in 1885 and are held by the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court at the county courthouse. Earlier marriages were often recorded only in church records.
- Libraries and Historical Societies:
- Cumberland County Historical Society: Located at 21 North Pitt Street, Carlisle, PA 17013. This is the premier resource for county-specific genealogical research. Its collections include an extensive library, archives with original manuscripts, tax records, church records, family files, photographs, maps, and local newspapers.
- Bordering Jurisdictions:
- Perry County (north)
- Dauphin County (east)
- York County (southeast)
- Adams County (south)
- Franklin County (southwest)