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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-12302024-3nnjscp6rzn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1625-lqnx97yfx95.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-11325-j9n94qlfg65.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MECHANICSBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MECHANICSBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MECHANICSBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Liberty Forge - Mechanicsburg, PA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Liberty Forge - Mechanicsburg, PA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty" name="description"/> <meta content="Liberty, Forge, Mechanicsburg, PA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.1749"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-76.926804"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.1749"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-76.926804"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-12302024-3nnjscp6rzn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1625-lqnx97yfx95.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-11325-j9n94qlfg65.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MECHANICSBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-12302024-3nnjscp6rzn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1625-lqnx97yfx95.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-11325-j9n94qlfg65.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MECHANICSBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty" name="description"/> <meta content="Liberty, Forge, Mechanicsburg, PA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.1749"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-76.926804"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-12302024-3nnjscp6rzn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1625-lqnx97yfx95.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-11325-j9n94qlfg65.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MECHANICSBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-12302024-3nnjscp6rzn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1625-lqnx97yfx95.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-11325-j9n94qlfg65.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MECHANICSBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MECHANICSBURG-PA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MECHANICSBURG-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Liberty Forge - Mechanicsburg, PA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Liberty Forge - Mechanicsburg, PA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty" name="description"/> <meta content="Liberty, Forge, Mechanicsburg, PA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.1749"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-76.926804"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-12302024-3nnjscp6rzn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1625-lqnx97yfx95.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-11325-j9n94qlfg65.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MECHANICSBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty" name="description"/> <meta content="Liberty, Forge, Mechanicsburg, PA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.1749"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-76.926804"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty" name="description"/> <meta content="Liberty, Forge, Mechanicsburg, PA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.1749"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-76.926804"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-12302024-3nnjscp6rzn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1625-lqnx97yfx95.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-11325-j9n94qlfg65.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MECHANICSBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.1749"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-76.926804"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/mechanicsburg-pa/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Mechanicsburg, PA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/mechanicsburg-pa/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="containerx"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mechanicsburg-pa/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mechanicsburg-pa/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mechanicsburg-pa/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mechanicsburg-pa/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mechanicsburg-pa/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mechanicsburg-pa/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mechanicsburg-pa/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty" name="description"/> <meta content="Liberty, Forge, Mechanicsburg, PA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.1749"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-76.926804"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty" name="description"/> <meta content="Liberty, Forge, Mechanicsburg, PA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.1749"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-76.926804"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-12302024-3nnjscp6rzn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1625-lqnx97yfx95.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-11325-j9n94qlfg65.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MECHANICSBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty" name="description"/> <meta content="Liberty, Forge, Mechanicsburg, PA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.1749"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-76.926804"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty" name="description"/> <meta content="Liberty, Forge, Mechanicsburg, PA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Liberty Forge"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.1749"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-76.926804"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Liberty Forge</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3804 Lisburn Road</div> <div> <span>Mechanicsburg</span>, <span>PA</span> <span>17055</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.libertyforge.net/" target="_blank">Liberty Forge</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 717-795-9880</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Liberty+Forge%2C+3804+Lisburn+Road%2C+Mechanicsburg%2C+PA+17055" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The history of Liberty Forge traces back to the time of George Washington. From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty Forge Golf Course was Liberty Forge Plantation Farm located in Lisburn, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest towns in Cumberland County. Lisburn was an important “stop over” after westbound travelers crossed the Susquehanna River, travelling the old Indian Trail (now Lisburn Road), on the way to Carlisle and the unknown territories of the West.It was common at the time, in Cumberland County and elsewhere, for plantations to be owned by an “iron master”, and Liberty Forge was no exception. Farming and iron-making often went hand-in-hand, for practical reasons. Iron furnaces and forges were not necessarily located near the source of the iron, but instead were located near abundant hardwoods that could be converted into charcoal for the melting and casting of what was known as “pigs”. Because horsepower was used to transport the ore and the finished product to and from the forge, the raising of food for workmen and the teams of horses also necessitated farming on the plantation.Historical records of Cumberland County, from April 18, 1798, listed Liberty Forge Plantation “For Sale or Rent” in the Oracle of Dauphin, the first newspaper of Harrisburg. The forge changed hands many times in the next 100 years. The invention of the Bessemer Furnace in the late 19th century dramatically changed the processes for the making of iron, and gradually the forges closed, the hardwoods were taken down, and farming took precedence. To this day, however, iron tracings and refuse from the forge remain when one disturbs the ground in the area of the miniature golf course, now part of the Activity Center on the east side of Lisburn Road.During the 20th century, owners began subdividing what remained of the plantation. The last farming of the property continued until about 1985, when this historic site was purchased by the late John G. Williams as a residence.Mr. Williams created extensive gardens and an arboretum on most of the property, which he opened to the public. He continued with the purchase of additional adjacent tracts that originally comprised the Liberty Forge Plantation, with the result that most of the original property has been reassembled. In the early 1990’s, severe drought caused a massive loss of the gardens and trees. At that time, it was envisioned by Mr. Williams to develop this historic site into a public recreation center for the community, with water to support the gardens, golf course, and recreational facilities. The property has been developed to collect and return more than 100% of the volume of water to the Yellow Breeches creek. Liberty Forge is committed to the preservation of the environment and has implemented numerous sustainable programs to protect and preserve Liberty Forge so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Liberty Forge Golf Course opened to the public in May 2003, under the dedication and direction of our own team of “Iron Masters”, including the late Alby Gerst who designed and oversaw construction of much of the course, and Luke Grumbine and Marci DesForges who have continued to nurture its development and success. The creation of Liberty Forge was the fulfillment of Mr. Williams’ dream, vision, and desire to give back to the community.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mechanicsburg-pa/report/place/liberty-forge-mechanicsburg-pa.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mechanicsburg</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-12302024-3nnjscp6rzn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1625-lqnx97yfx95.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-11325-j9n94qlfg65.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jan 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MECHANICSBURG-PA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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From that time, to the late 19th century, the area now known as Liberty"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.1749"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-76.926804"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/mechanicsburg-pa/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Mechanicsburg, PA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/mechanicsburg-pa/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="containerx"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mechanicsburg-pa/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mechanicsburg-pa/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mechanicsburg-pa/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mechanicsburg-pa/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mechanicsburg-pa/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mechanicsburg-pa/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mechanicsburg-pa/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mechanicsburg-pa/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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