Other places: October 2007 Archives

Southwestern York County was visited by multiple military units during the 1863 Gettysburg Campaign, beginning June 27 with the 35th Battalion, Virginia Cavalry (later to be known as White's Comanches for their ferocity in battle and their war whoops). Confederate cavalry under J.E.B. Stuart passed through the area on June 30, as did Union cavalry under Judson Kilpatrick. Over the next couple of days, Federal infantry columns also traversed the Hanover area en route to Gettysburg.

For many local residents, this criss-crossing of the armies brought emotional highs and lows - fear of the Rebels often turned to surprise when they proved to be well behaved and gracious, and joy when the Federal soldiers arrived turned to shock and disgust when they openly robbed York Countians. In many cases, the U.S. Army caused as much (or more) damage to property and livestock than did the invading Confederates. Favorite targets for these raiders included horses and mules, clothing and shoes, chickens and pigs. In particular, soldiers would open larders, pantries, and kitchen cabinets, emptying them of their supplies of food.

One of York County's current charms is its vast array of casual dining chain restaurants - there are so many options to choose from and, just this year, a number of new restaurants opened, highlighted by the new shopping center off of Route 24. Mexican - we have it. Chinese - you bet. American - of course. We even have Japanese, Indian, and other specialties, as well as some fine dining establishments (with more on the way downtown).

Back in the Civil War era, York County also had a number of casual dining houses (no Denny's however!). Many rural crossroads boasted small taverns, usually brick or wooden frame houses with a bar, small restaurant area, and a few guest rooms for the weary traveller. Not having the luxury of daily delivery by distribution companies, many of these out-of-the-way taverns relied heavily on large storehouses of food, supplies, and liquor, as well as their small gardens for fresh vegetables. The loss of these provisions was an economic disaster to many of these establishments.

As one travels York County, there are many of these former taverns that still exist as private homes today. I will cover a few of them in the next year here in Cannonball. For now, here's one story of an unidentified tavern owner who had a bad day when Rebs came calling at his restaurant.