This trail is named after General Russel P. Hartle and covers the counties of Antrim and Londonderry. Use the map above to navigative through the sites on the Hartle Trail, or scroll down and follow the link to our additional sites for the enthusiasts which are not included on the main trail itinerary.
In January 1942, Major General Hartle took the 34th Division to Northern Ireland, the first large group of American troops to go to the United Kingdom. From May to June 1942, Hartle was designated Commanding General of V Corps. Hartle’s divisions were spread throughout Northern Ireland, but many were situated within counties Anrtim and Londonderry, with Brownlow House (Co. Armagh) being the Headquarters of V Corps.
This trail not only hosted the US Army but also a signifigant number of US airmen due to the numerous airfields – Langford Lodge, Maghaberry, Nutts Corner, Mullaghmore, Maydown, Toome and Eglinton. The famous 82nd Airborne Division were also at several sites throughout this trail.
On November 2 1942, Major General Hartle became Deputy Commander of American troops in the European Theater of Operations under Lt. General Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Hartle received the Legion of Merit (1946) and the Distinguished Service Medal (1947). Regardless of where he served, Hartle enjoyed corresponding with friends and family back home in Washington County, modestly deflecting the many compliments paid to him through letters, newspaper and magazine articles, and news reels.
General Hartle and his dog Scrappy – “General Hartle has a new dog. A friend bought it for him in Dublin. It’s one of these square-nose Irish dogs called a Kerry Blue, and it’s coat is actually sort of blue. The dog’s name is Scrappy which incidentally is the General’s nickname. ‘Actually he’s got a lot scrappier than I am’ General Hartle says.”
* FOR THE ENTHUSIASTS … Click here to view extra sites from The Hartle Trail! *
Key for Map
Visitor Information in Country Antrim
Antrim Visitor Information Centre
The Old Courthouse
Market Square
BT41 4AW
T : 028 9442 8331
Ballycastle Visitor Information Centre
Portnagree House Harbour & Marina Visitor Centre
14 Bayview Road
BT54 6BT
T : 028 2076 2024
Ballymena Visitor Information Centre
The Braid
1-29 Bridge Street
BT43 5EJ
T : 028 2563 5900
Ballymoney Visitor Information Centre
Ballymoney Town Hall
1 Townhead Street
BT53 6BE
T : 028 2766 0230
Carrickfergus Visitor Information Centre
Tourist Information Centre and Museum
11 Antrim Street
BT38 7DG
T : 028 9335 8049
Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre
44 Causeway Road
Bushmills
BT57 8SU
T : 028 2073 1855
Larne Visitor Information Centre
Narrow Gauge Road
BT40 1XB
T : 028 2826 0088
Lisburn Visitor Information Centre
15 Lisburn Square
BT28 1AN
T : 028 9266 0038
Visitor Infomation in County Londonderry
Coleraine Visitor Information Centre
25 Railyway Road
BT52 1PE
T : 028 7034 4723
Limavady Visitor Information Centre
Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre
24 Main Street
BT49 0FJ
T : 028 7776 0650
Londonderry Visitor Information Centre
44 Floyle Street
BT48 6AT
T: 028 7126 7284
Magherafelt Visitor Information Centre
The Bridewell, 6 Church Street
BT45 6AN
T : 028 7963 1510
