A Historic Structure Report (HSR), of the Hessian Powder Magazine, was completed by the United States Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC) in 2025. The history of the building from 1777 to its present use as a museum is the result of a 2-year study involving in-depth historical research, archaeological investigation and architectural documentation and analysis. A team consisting of Carlisle Barracks Garrison, the National Park Service Historic Preservation Training Center, Juniata College Cultural Resources Institute, USAHEC staff and the Army Heritage Center Foundation worked together to complete the HSR. The investigation established the original use of the building as a purpose-built gunpowder magazine that was a key element of the Army’s supply and manufacturing system during the American Revolution beginning with its construction in 1777. The search of primary source documents established that Hessian prisoners captured at the Battle of Trenton, December 1776, were at Carlisle when the Magazine was being constructed and that they were no doubt put to the task of constructing this building as well as many others on the site.

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