Harrisburg is a city in Pennsylvania that is rich in American history. Positioned along the Susquehanna River, it was originally inhabited by Susquehanna Native Americans as early as 3,000 B.C. One of the first significant contacts that the Susquehanna had with Europeans was when Captain John Smith traveled up the river from Virginia, searching for food and supplies. This voyage is celebrated today as the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, which is America's first water-based National Historic Trail. It stretches up and down the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, and the District of Columbia.

John Harris, Sr., an English trader, became one of the town's first residents in 1719. In 1785, his son, John Harris, Jr., established the town on his father's land, and in 1791, it became incorporated. One of the first significant reasons this city is historically important is its strategic location in Westward expansion. Westward bound pioneers used Harrisburg as a provisioning stop. This city is also historically significant for the role it played in the American Civil War. Tens of thousands of Union troops trained at Camp Curtin. It was also a major rail center for the Union and, as such, was a major target of Robert E. Lee's army. They tried to capture Harrisburg on two separate occasions: during the Maryland Campaign in 1862 and during the Gettysburg Campaign in 1863. During the Gettysburg Campaign, the Skirmish of Sporting Hill occurred. Confederate Lt. Gen. Richard S. Ewell tried to capture the city, but due to bad weather and the advancing Federal Army, he had to retreat and deal with the threat surfacing in Gettysburg.

Aside from its many historical events, this city became important for its steel industry. It was also a central railroad hub. In 1846, the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) was chartered to construct a rail route between Harrisburg, the state capital, and Pittsburgh. In 1887, the Harrisburg Train Station was opened. 

In keeping with its Civil War tradition, Harrisburg has several landmarks and buildings devoted to its heritage. The National Civil War Museum has over 24,000 items, including manuscripts, photographs, and other valuable artifacts. The State Museum of Pennsylvania contains many historical relics about Pennsylvania's local history, including an exhibit related to Civil War. Today, the Camp Curtain landmark honors the Union Army and is a taken care of by the Camp Curtin Historical Society and Civil War Round Table.

Harrisburg has other essential landmarks and buildings to see. The John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion was built in 1766 by John Harris Jr., and in 1976 it became a National Historic Landmark. The Pride of Susquehanna allows you to experience great sightseeing tours on the Susquehanna River while floating along on a vintage twin paddlewheel boat. As you relax and enjoy the views, you can listen to facts about the town's ecology and the wildlife native to the area. Wildwood Park is another great way to get to know the ecology of Harrisburg. You can pack a lunch and head out on the trails and boardwalks and see some really cool wildlife.

Head over to ZeroDay for a taste of Harrisburg's own brewed beer, such as Wastin' Daylight, Mango Habanero, Financial Panther, and Strong Island brews, to name a few. Spring Gate Winery is a family-owned vineyard. Drop by and taste some of the area's finest locally produced wines.

Broadstreet Market is a very popular place in Harrisburg where you can taste locally-grown foods, including produce, meats, baked goods, and freshly made meals. There are over 40 vendors to choose from and many treats, such as soft pretzels and ice cream.

After a fun day of exploring, unwind and have some great food. At Home 231 enjoy dinner while taking in the views of the Susquehanna, and make sure to stop in for our world famous brunch. If Irish food in a cozy atmosphere is on the bill, O'Reilly's Tap Room and Kitchen is the way to go.  Favorites include the St. Patrick's pot roast, fish and chips, and traditional bangers and mashed.

Just because you reside in a town with a rich Civil War History doesn't mean your carpets have to look like a Civil War battleground. For the best carpet cleaning service in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Hammond Cleaning Solutions can get your carpets looking like new - guaranteed. Don't spend another day covering up carpet stains with a piece of furniture or a rug. Call the carpet cleaning experts at Hammond Cleaning Solutions today for a free estimate.