Harrisburg is the capital of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the seat of Dauphin County. Located on the east bank of the Susquehanna River, the land was first settled by John Harris, Sr. in 1719, who opened a trading post. The town was founded by his son, John Harris, Jr., in 1785, and was designated the state capital in October of 1812.

Harrisburg was an important "station" for the Underground Railroad prior to the Civil War, and served as a major military post during the war. Tens of thousands of troops were trained at Camp Curtin, and Harrisburg's location along major railroad lines made it an ideal location for a supply depot. The Confederate Army tried twice to take Harrisburg, but were driven back both times. The second attempt resulted in the Skirmish of Sporting Hill, a minor battle that has the distinction of being the northernmost engagement of the Civil War.