Congressman Platts Calls for Possible Protection of Camp Security

Platts introduces legislation to examine possibility of adding historical site to National Park System.

Washington, D.C. - On Friday, Congressman Todd Platts (PA-19) introduced House of Representatives Bill 3038 (H.R. 3038), the "Camp Security National Historic Site Study Act," to authorize the Secretary of Interior to conduct an intense and thorough study of the historical, cultural, and educational significance of Camp Security in York County, and to determine its suitability for addition to the National Park System.

Camp Security, located in Springettsbury Township, York County, is the only undisturbed prisoner-of-war camp from the Revolutionary War remaining in the United States. Recent excavations and surveys of Camp Security identified intact archeological deposits and recovered numerous domestic and military artifacts.

"It's important to preserve this significant historic and cultural site for the education and appreciation of future generations," says Platts. "Without an extensive analysis of the historical resources at Camp Security, a considerable part of our national and local identity could be lost before it is ever fully understood."

Camp Security was built in 1781 under the direction of Joseph Reed, then President of Pennsylvania. From 1781 until 1783, Camp Security held more than 1,000 British prisoners of war who were captured as a result of the Continental Army's pivotal victories at Saratoga and Yorktown. Many of these prisoners eventually married local women, settled in the area, and became an important and contributing part of the York community.

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