US Military History Along the Road to Independence

The road that became the Lincoln Highway has a rich history of troop movements and battles throughout the nation’s history. The transportation route that’s become a favorite two-lane “road trip” destination once carried troops to destinations unknown. During your visit to Pennsylvania consider exploring some of these historic sites as we remember the sacrifices that were made along the way.

Revolutions War Period was mainly across eastern PA

• The King’s Highway and Great Wagon Road were primary transportation routes between the original colonies. The early road between Philadelphia and Lancaster was part of the King’s Highway. We’ll host a presentation on the Great Wagon Road on Friday, June 26, 2026.
• Washington Crossing Historic Park
• Fort Mifflin in Philadelphia
• Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia We’ll stop here on our Friday, June 25, 2026 charter bus tour, but if you are Philadelphia before or after the conference on your own we’d recommend a visit.
• Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Valley Forge Park While not directly on the Lincoln Highway, many early motorists took the short detour to visit Washington’s military encampment during cross country travel. Follow in their tire tracks to Valley Forge.
• Camp Security – A Revolutionary War Prisoner of War Camp We’re hosting a presentation on Friday, June 25, 2026 so you can understand more about this unique archeological site. You can also visit the replica Semiquincentennial Liberty Bell install in the community park near the site.
• Colonial Complex in York, PA Here you’ll discover the history of the Continental Congress after they fled from British occupied Philadelphia. If you are unable to participate in the Wednesday, June 24, 2026, guided group tour we highly recommend that you book a private tour before you head home from the conference.

Historic Taverns (Restaurants, Lodging and Museums)

There are many historic taverns along the Lincoln Highway across Pennsylvania. Step back in time and party like it’s 1726!

• General Warren Inn since 1745 in Malvern
• Historic 1776 Dobbin House Tavern in Gettysburg
• Jean Bonnet Tavern near Bedford
• Compass Inn Museum since 1799 in Laughlintown

French and Indian War on the Frontier

West of the Susquehanna River, the roads were built by the British to support their goal of driving the French out of what later became known as Pittsburgh. The military road connected a series of supply forts over the mountains. Each has unique stories to share and special events during America’s 250th.

• Fort Loudoun Historic Site in Fulton County
• Fort Bedford Museum in Bedford County
• Fort Ligonier in the Laurel Highlands
• Fort Pitt Museum at Point State Park in Pittsburgh

Civil War

Battles happened along the Lincoln Highway and troop movements just north of the Mason Dixon line across south central Pennsylvania west of the Susquehanna River to Chambersburg.

• Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor is the place to start all exploration here. While we are hosting a bus tour on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 to here and another downtown Gettysburg on Thursday, June 25, 2026 there are many other places in Adams County to explore along the Lincoln Highway. The square in Gettysburg is considered one of the most important stops along the Lincoln Highway which was dedicated as the first national memorial to President Abraham Lincoln in 1913.
• Chambersburg and Franklin County also have Civil War history to discover. From the Underground Railroad to the John Brown House and onto the Burning of Chambersburg in 1864 and the Memorial Fountain on the square along the Lincoln Highway our June 23, 2026 bus tour will explore this town. If you can’t join us please explore Chambersburg before or after the conference.
• Further east, the Burning of the Covered Bridge over the Susquehanna River was a pivotal moment in Civil War history. Find out more at Burning Bridge Diorama. We’ll hear more about this important event during our bus tour to Wrightsville on Thursday, June 25, 2026. If you’re staying over, check out Riverfest PA over the weekend.

World War I and World War II

• Have you heard there will be a public showing of the After Ike PBS documentary on Friday, June 25, 2026 in York, PA? Watch the conference website for more details as they are available.
• The Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg is a popular place to visit for people interested in General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s life. We like Ike!
• We’re also stopping by the World War II America Experience on our way to Chambersburg during the bus tour on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. If you were on another bus, make plans to visit here before you head home.
• Don’t forget that the Lincoln Highway Experience Bonus! in Latrobe and to see the 1919 Army Truck Convoy exhibit at the museum. Conference attendees receive free admission.
• Other stops along the Lincoln Highway include the World War I era Doughboy Statue on the east end of Chambersburg or the Road to Remembrance trees and markers along the Lincoln Highway across York and Adams Counties.

Modern Military History

Flight 93 National Memorial has become a must stop as we always remember the sacrifices that were made on September 11, 2001. Along the Lincoln Highway in Somerset County west of Bedford.

Many of the towns along the Lincoln have constructed military memorials along their Main Streets, the Lincoln Highway. Don’t forget to visit these communities instead of simply staying on US 30 and miss these places. Go to the Lincoln Highway Association on-line map and follow the original 1913 route.