Historic Lancaster County
Leave the hustle and bustle behind as you meander down the horse-and-buggy lanes of picturesque Lancaster County. Amid the idyllic farms and tranquil countryside you’ll find quaint towns with many historic homes, museums, beautiful gardens and distinctive shops, all steeped in old-fashioned warmth.
Lancaster became the fourth county in the state of Pennsylvania in 1729, whose principal founder was Andrew Hamilton. Lancaster, named for England’s Lancashire, was the nation’s capital for one day in 1777. The Continental Congress moved to Lancaster to escape British-occupied Philadelphia, then moved on to York County, which offered the Susquehanna River as a barrier to oncoming troops.
One of the oldest inland cities in America, the city of Lancaster is brimming with history, architecture, fine dining, fabulous shopping and a cultural mecca of the arts.
Built in 1712 on land purchased from William Penn, the Hans Herr House was the first Mennonite residence in the area. It holds also the distinction of the oldest Mennonite meeting-house in the United States. Tours and Harvest events take place at this Germanic style home, just a few miles south of the city.
Wheatland, the gracious home of James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, is located just west of the city limits. Wheatland is open to the public for tours and special events.
Robert Fulton, inventor of the steamboat, submarine and torpedo, was born in Lancaster county. Among its heritage gems, Lancaster County also counts the Landis Valley Farm Museum, the Rock Ford Plantation, the Ephrata Cloisters, the Fulton Opera House and so many other landmarks of architectural and historic importance.
Just off Penn Square in downtown Lancaster stands the 1880 brick structure of The Central Market, the oldest publicly owned farmers' market in the country, in operation since the 1730's. It’s like stepping back in time as you experience how Lancaster’s merchants sold their wares more than two hundred years ago.
Next to the Market is the Heritage Center Museum, exhibiting a collection of local treasures of furniture, quilts and folk art spanning 300 years.
