The sound of cannon fire once echoed through the Rock Creek Watershed

Before the Rock Creek watershed became a tourist epicenter for Civil War interests, Rock Creek was used by several tribes of early Native Americans as fishing and hunting grounds. There are no known early settlements, but only campsites as groups passed through. One of the first mills serving the area was built along Rock Creek. it later became known as McAllister Mill. McAllister Mill was one of the first stops on the Underground Railroad for slaves escaping North. Ironically, during the Civil War, the mill served as a Confederate Hospital. Located between White Run and Rock Creek was the largest Civil War field hospital. Sadly, wounded soldiers, who were laid along the banks of Rock Creek were swept to their deaths from high waters when a major storm in July, 1863 hit.

At the present, Rock Creek is in the middle of a burgeoning area. According to the 2000 US Census, Adams County is the fourth fastest growing county in Pennsylvania. The Adams County Water Supply Plan (2001) makes an adjusted
mid-range projection for a 2010 County population of 114,895, up from 78,274 in 1990. Naturally, the development of this once quiet watershed of farm fields and hallowed ground is accompanied by difficult watershed-health challenges.

Additional history of the area can be found at the Marsh Creek Watershed Website and the Adams County Historical Society.