Revolution Data Systems

PART 1 OF 3 | THE BATTLES WERE WRITTEN IN THE MARGIN

More than 160 years ago, the Lancaster County Recorder preserved the military discharge record of Civil War Captain George C. Eckert of Company D, 2nd Pennsylvania Cavalry.

But hidden in the margin was something extraordinary.

Handwritten beside the official discharge was a list of battles where he served during the Civil War:
Gettysburg.
Second Bull Run.
Rappahannock Station.
Jerusalem Plank Road.
And many more.

These fragile Army discharge records are now part of a preservation project commissioned by the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds in 2026 to help safeguard this history for future generations.

This Memorial Day weekend, we’re honored to share the story behind these remarkable records and the work being done to preserve them.

Protect the record. Preserve the history.