Carter-Archer House

History: On December 19, 1817, James J. Archer, the eighth of eleven children, was born here at the Carter-Archer house. After graduating from Princeton in 1835, Archer attended Bacon College in Kentucky, and studied law at the University of Maryland. He practiced law until 1847, when he was commissioned a captain in US Army during the Mexican War (1846-1848). He rejoined the army in 1855, and served in Washington and Oregon until the Civil War began. Archer joined the Confederacy, rose to the rank of brigadier general, and managed to lead some of the first Confederates engaged at the Battle of Gettysburg.

More to Explore: The Carter-Archer house is located within Susquehanna State Park, home to several popular mountain biking trails, historic sites, and camping, boating, hunting and fishing areas. For the adventure seekers, take a horseback ride through the forest, hay fields, old pine plantations and winding ridges that overlook the Susquehanna River. Fishermen are welcome to improve their skills here, where catfish, bass, carp and perch are in abundance. If you are a history buff, be sure to visit the 200 year old operational Rock Run Grist Mill and the old Jersey Toll House, which used to be the collection point for travelers crossing the river.

Photo Credits:

1. “Historic American Buildings Survey E. H. Pickering 1936 – Elevation of House from River; Rock Run Mill Outbuildings, Harford County, MD.” Photo Courtesy of Library of Congress.
2. “Barn; Rock Run Mill Outbuildings, Harford County, MD.” Photo Courtesy of Library of Congress.
3. Carter-Archer House and Mill; Photos Courtesy of Emily Carter Mitchell.