Cashtown has Civil War roots and an apple farming present
Situated in the rural foothills of Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Mountains, Cashtown is a community-minded hamlet where residents take pride in both their rich Civil War history and the fruits of their labor. While the nationally recognized Gettysburg is just 6 miles from town, Cashtown boasts its own contributions to the war by keeping the doors of Cashtown Inn open since 1797. Additionally, the town’s namesake post office has been in operation since 1833. However, local legend has it that Cashtown was named after a tavern owner who required his patrons to pay in cash. The pastoral landscape has allowed for longtime success in the agricultural industry, and today, apple farming is a main contributor to the economy, as seen through local farm markets and annual festivals. With a little less than 500 residents, Cashtown embraces a small-town mindset.
Historic barns, inns and wineries make up the community
The retail in Cashtown primarily consists of locally sourced markets and historic establishments. On the north side of town, Historic Round Barn & Farm Market is a family-owned round barn that was built in 1914 and is one of the last remaining of its kind in the country. The market features an extensive collection of apple and peach products, as well as other fresh fruits and vegetables, niche gifts and handmade crafts. Next door, Thirsty Farmer Brew Works offers nine rotating beers on tap and a pub menu that includes flatbreads, paninis and shareables. The brewery is also popular for its apple cider donuts and frequent live music. On the south side of town, Adams County Winery is the fifth-oldest winery in the state, featuring a barn built just after the Civil War. Visitors can taste wines in the cellar or take their glasses to the terrace bistro or the 75-acre open-air Farm Winery. With a vineyard that grows five grape varieties, the winery offers a range of reds, whites and special seasonal flavors.
Centrally located in Cashtown, and perhaps one of its most well-known establishments, the Cashtown Inn has historic rooms for lodging and different meal offerings. Country-style breakfasts are open to the public, and Hometown Casual Wednesdays feature sandwiches and hearty meat and potato entrees. From Thursday through Saturday, more upscale chef-curated dishes include veal, filet mignon and crab rosa. The inn was originally built in 1797 as a stagecoach stop until it became a tavern in 1815. It then became the meeting grounds for many Confederate officers, and its basement was a field hospital during the Civil War.
Scenic country roads lead to rustic split-levels and ranch-styles
Two-lane country roads, including High Street and Old Route 30, extend across town, passing clearings of farm fields and providing distant Appalachian Mountain views. White most residences sit back off these main roads, other properties can be found tucked deeper down unmarked roads on larger lots. Due to its small population and rural setting, Cashtown’s housing inventory is low and it’s not uncommon for there to be no homes on the market at any given time. However, when available, buyers can find bi-levels, split-levels, ranch-style homes and Cape Cods on more than an acre. Some dwellings could use more modern updates, while others have recently seen complete renovations. Many offer rustic charm to reflect their surroundings, and most feature either attached or detached multi-car garages. Prices can vary from $265,000 for older homes to $450,000 for larger upgraded properties.
The annual National Apple Harvest Festival draws a crowd
The highly anticipated National Apple Harvest Festival celebrates the area’s success in apple farming. The back-to-back weekend event is held annually in October about 5 miles north of town. The festival offers something for the whole family, with pony rides, a craft market, food trucks, live music, cider tastings, orchard tours and an antique car show.
Gettysburg Area School District is No. 1 in Adams County
The Gettysburg Area School District, which receives a B-plus rating from Niche, serves students living in Cashtown. Young learners can begin at Franklin Township Elementary School, which also receives a B-plus, before advancing to Gettysburg Area Middle School, which holds an A-minus. Gettysburg Area High School has a B-plus rating and offers 30 student clubs, including Mudslingers, a pottery and ceramic arts club, and an all-girls STEM club sponsored by the YWCA Gettysburg.
Gettysburg Battlefield and Museum are just east of town
Historic Gettysburg is about a 6-mile drive east down Lincoln Highway. International tourists visit the borough to explore Gettysburg National Military Park, which features Gettysburg Battlefield, where pivotal military strategy and artillery fire helped to change the outcome of the Civil War. Visitors can also peruse the interactive exhibits throughout Gettysburg Museum, as well as Gettysburg National Cemetary, where Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address in 1863.
A quaint community park offers play space and creek access
Hidden down a gravel road, just off Lincoln Highway, is Cashtown Community Lions Park. The only public park area in the town, the green space features a playground, a pavilion and a creek with a wooden walking bridge over it.
Lincoln Highway links Cashtown to Gettysburg and Chambersburg
U.S. Route 30, or Lincoln Highway, runs along the outskirts of Cashtown. The highway connects residents to the larger towns of Gettysburg, about 6 miles to the east, and Chambersburg, about 15 miles to the west. The area is car-dependent, as no public bus or train services the community. For further destinations, Harrisburg International Airport is about 50 miles northeast of town.
Written By
Mary Beth Greene
