Oyster Point Attraction Details

Oyster Point
This intersection in Camp Hill was called Oyster Point in the 1860s because the Oyster Family's Tavern was located there. The Confederate Army made their move into this area late in June of 1863, after the surrender of Mechanicsburg. The Union Army withdrew their forces east, to present day 32nd Street, while waiting for General Jenkins to develop a plan. He decided to create a diversion at Oyster Point while he and several officers from General Ewell's headquarters rode to the hills to the south to better view the defenses of Harrisburg. By most accounts, the Confederate attack was a noisy affair, with one report saying the preliminary artillery firing lasted two hours. Some cannon shells reached as far as the Church of God on 21st Street but little damage was done by either side. Eventually, the Confederate cavalry charged east on Market Street and pushed the Union troops back. The Confederates held this position for a time, exchanging fire with the Union troops. Ultimately, the Confederates withdrew, having had one man wounded. The diversion had worked; Jenkins' reconnaissance from hills to the south had gained valuable information about the defenses of Harrisburg.

Address:
31st and Market Streets
Camp Hill, PA 17001

Phone: 000-000-0000

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