Greencastle Historic District

Greencastle is a town of roughly 3,700 people in the Cumberland Valley of southern Franklin County, and its historic district covers about 350 properties around the town square where Carlisle Street meets Baltimore Street. The town was laid out in 1782 by Col. John Allison, who divided 300 acres into 256 lots. Its position at the crossing of two 18th century highways made it a trade and tavern center. Buildings range from late 18th century log and brick structures and brick Federal houses to Italianate banks and hotels and early 20th century Classical Revival commercial blocks, many with brick, cut stone trim and quoins. The First National Bank clock tower dates from 1874. The Cumberland Valley Railroad reached the town in 1840. Tree-lined streets and brick sidewalks with stone curbs remain character-defining features.