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History of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
Journey back in time to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
Visit Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.
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German immigrants, known as Pennsylvania Dutch (from "Deutsch" meaning German), were the first to settle in the area in 1709. At that time it was known as "Hickory Town". The Honorable James Hamilton laid it out in building lots and out lots, and in May 10, 1729, it became the county seat. John Wright, a prominent citizen, gave it the name "Lancaster" after Lancaster, England where he formerly lived. The city is known as the "Red Rose City" due to its link to Lancaster, England. Lancaster became a borough in 1742, a charted city on March 10, 1818, and surrendered its ancient city charter and became a Third Class City under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on May 27, 1924.
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There is MUCH more to discover about Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Read on!
Lancaster Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
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1880s
Vacuum Harness Oil
M. Haberbush
Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
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Dr. Raub's Egg White Soap
The Grandest toilet Soap Made
Nothing Else Like It
10 Cents a Cake
$1.00 a Dozen
Charles F. Miller, Lancaster, Pa.
The Ladies' Home Journal
December 1898
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
Postcard
P.R.R. Depot, Lancaster, Pa.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
Postcard
Penn Square, showing Woolworth Building, Lancaster, Pa.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
Postcard
Thaddeus Stevens Industrial School, Lancaster, Pa.
Discover Lancaster: History, News, Travel, and Stories
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1854 - Lancaster
Lancaster city, capital of Lancaster co., Pennsylvania, is pleasantly situated on the Philadelphia and Columbia railroad, 1 mile W. from Conestoga creek, 70 miles by rail road W. from Philadelphia, and 37 miles E. S. E. from Harrisburg. It was for many years the largest inland town of the United States, and was the seat of the state government from 1799 to 1812. At present it is the fourth city of Pennsylvania in respect to population. It is situated in the most populous and wealthy agricultural districts of the state, and carries on a considerable trade by means of the railroad and the slack-water navigation of the Conestoga. The oldest turnpike in the United States has its western terminus at this place, and connects it with Philadelphia, which is 62 miles distant by this route. The streets are generally straight, crossing each other at right angles, and well paved. The greater part of the town is substantially built of brick, and the more modern houses are commodious and elegant.... Read MORE...
Lancaster city, capital of Lancaster co., Pennsylvania, is pleasantly situated on the Philadelphia and Columbia railroad, 1 mile W. from Conestoga creek, 70 miles by rail road W. from Philadelphia, and 37 miles E. S. E. from Harrisburg. It was for many years the largest inland town of the United States, and was the seat of the state government from 1799 to 1812. At present it is the fourth city of Pennsylvania in respect to population. It is situated in the most populous and wealthy agricultural districts of the state, and carries on a considerable trade by means of the railroad and the slack-water navigation of the Conestoga. The oldest turnpike in the United States has its western terminus at this place, and connects it with Philadelphia, which is 62 miles distant by this route. The streets are generally straight, crossing each other at right angles, and well paved. The greater part of the town is substantially built of brick, and the more modern houses are commodious and elegant.... Read MORE...
1865 - TERRIBLE RAILROAD ACCIDENT. NINE PERSONS INSTANTLY KILLED !!
From the Harrisburg Telegraph.
One of the most horrible railroad accidents that occurred during the present year, happened on Saturday afternoon, on the Pennsylvania railroad, three miles this side of Lancaster, as the Day Express train reached that point, en route for Philadelphia.
The train consisted of seven cars. The front axle of the third car breaking, that end of the car at once fell to the track, and as the train was under full headway, the rear cars ran into the one to which the accident occurred, crushing to death nine persons and maiming a large number of others – rumor says thirty or more. The scene is said to have been heartrending and sickening in the extreme. The shrieks and groans of the wounded and dying were such as to unman the stoutest heart, and cause many passengers to leave the vicinity of the accident to obtain relief from the sad spectacle presented. The following is a list of the persons who were instantly killed, or died within a few moments after the... Read MORE...
From the Harrisburg Telegraph.
One of the most horrible railroad accidents that occurred during the present year, happened on Saturday afternoon, on the Pennsylvania railroad, three miles this side of Lancaster, as the Day Express train reached that point, en route for Philadelphia.
The train consisted of seven cars. The front axle of the third car breaking, that end of the car at once fell to the track, and as the train was under full headway, the rear cars ran into the one to which the accident occurred, crushing to death nine persons and maiming a large number of others – rumor says thirty or more. The scene is said to have been heartrending and sickening in the extreme. The shrieks and groans of the wounded and dying were such as to unman the stoutest heart, and cause many passengers to leave the vicinity of the accident to obtain relief from the sad spectacle presented. The following is a list of the persons who were instantly killed, or died within a few moments after the... Read MORE...
1882 - INSANE ASYLUM BURNS.
Lancaster, Pa., August, 14 - While SAMUEL METZELL'S barn was burning today the County Insane Asylum was discovered to be on fire.
There were 114 inmates all of whom were saved after great exertions.
The loss is $70,000.
Syracuse Standard
Syracuse, New York
August 14, 1882
Lancaster, Pa., August, 14 - While SAMUEL METZELL'S barn was burning today the County Insane Asylum was discovered to be on fire.
There were 114 inmates all of whom were saved after great exertions.
The loss is $70,000.
Syracuse Standard
Syracuse, New York
August 14, 1882
1895 - Lancaster
Lancaster, a city, the capital of Lancaster co, Pa., is situated near the W. bank of Conestoga Creek, on the Pennsylvania Railroad, 69 miles W. of Philadelphia, 36 miles B.S.E. of Harrisburg, and 42 miles S.W. of Reading. It is connected with Reading by a branch of the Reading & Columbia Railroad, and a narrow-gauge railroad connects it with Quarryville. The houses are mostly built of brick, and the streets are generally straight, and cross one another at right angles. Two main streets, named King and Queen, intersect each other in the central part of the city. This city is lighted "gas, and is supplied with water conveyed from Conestoga Creek. It is the seat of Franklin and Marshall College (German Reformed), which was organized in 1853 and has a library of 13,000 volumes. The other most remark able buildings are the court-house, in the Grecian style, the county prison, Fulton Hall, in which public assemblies are held, St. Joseph's Hospital (Catholic), and the high school. Lancaster... Read MORE...
Lancaster, a city, the capital of Lancaster co, Pa., is situated near the W. bank of Conestoga Creek, on the Pennsylvania Railroad, 69 miles W. of Philadelphia, 36 miles B.S.E. of Harrisburg, and 42 miles S.W. of Reading. It is connected with Reading by a branch of the Reading & Columbia Railroad, and a narrow-gauge railroad connects it with Quarryville. The houses are mostly built of brick, and the streets are generally straight, and cross one another at right angles. Two main streets, named King and Queen, intersect each other in the central part of the city. This city is lighted "gas, and is supplied with water conveyed from Conestoga Creek. It is the seat of Franklin and Marshall College (German Reformed), which was organized in 1853 and has a library of 13,000 volumes. The other most remark able buildings are the court-house, in the Grecian style, the county prison, Fulton Hall, in which public assemblies are held, St. Joseph's Hospital (Catholic), and the high school. Lancaster... Read MORE...
1916
Lancaster, a city, the capital of Lancaster co., Pa., is situated near the W. bank of Conestoga Creek, on the Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia and Reading Rs., 68 miles W. of Philadelphia. It is situated in a fertile tobacco and grain region, and has varied and important manufacturing and other industries, which are represented by numerous cigar- and cigarette-factories, boiler- and engine- works, cotton-mills, manufactures of general machinery, emery-wheels, umbrellas, caramels, watch-materials, soap, etc. The city is the seat of Franklin and Marshall College (German Reformed), which was organized in 1853, and of the Theological Seminary of the German Reformed Church. This place was first settled in about 1720 and was incorporated as a city in 1818. It was the capital of the state from 1799 to 1812. Pop. in 1880, 25,769 j in 1890, 32,011 ; in 1900, 41,459.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Lancaster, a city, the capital of Lancaster co., Pa., is situated near the W. bank of Conestoga Creek, on the Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia and Reading Rs., 68 miles W. of Philadelphia. It is situated in a fertile tobacco and grain region, and has varied and important manufacturing and other industries, which are represented by numerous cigar- and cigarette-factories, boiler- and engine- works, cotton-mills, manufactures of general machinery, emery-wheels, umbrellas, caramels, watch-materials, soap, etc. The city is the seat of Franklin and Marshall College (German Reformed), which was organized in 1853, and of the Theological Seminary of the German Reformed Church. This place was first settled in about 1720 and was incorporated as a city in 1818. It was the capital of the state from 1799 to 1812. Pop. in 1880, 25,769 j in 1890, 32,011 ; in 1900, 41,459.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
2023 - Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Lancaster:
Lancaster Central Market:
Start your day by exploring Lancaster's Central Market, one of the oldest continuously operating farmers' markets in the country. You'll find a variety of fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious Amish baked goods.
Amish Country:
Lancaster is famous for its Amish community. Take a guided tour through the picturesque Amish countryside, visit a farm, and learn about their way of life. Don't forget to try some homemade Amish treats!
Downtown Lancaster:
Stroll through the charming downtown area, filled with boutiques, galleries, and cafes. The historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it a perfect place for a leisurely walk.
Wheatland:
Visit Wheatland, the former home of the 15th President of the United States, James Buchanan. Take a guided tour to explore the beautifully preserved mansion and its surrounding gardens.
Lancaster Science Factory:
If you're traveling with family, the Lancaster Science Factory is a great place for ... Read MORE...
Lancaster Central Market:
Start your day by exploring Lancaster's Central Market, one of the oldest continuously operating farmers' markets in the country. You'll find a variety of fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious Amish baked goods.
Amish Country:
Lancaster is famous for its Amish community. Take a guided tour through the picturesque Amish countryside, visit a farm, and learn about their way of life. Don't forget to try some homemade Amish treats!
Downtown Lancaster:
Stroll through the charming downtown area, filled with boutiques, galleries, and cafes. The historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it a perfect place for a leisurely walk.
Wheatland:
Visit Wheatland, the former home of the 15th President of the United States, James Buchanan. Take a guided tour to explore the beautifully preserved mansion and its surrounding gardens.
Lancaster Science Factory:
If you're traveling with family, the Lancaster Science Factory is a great place for ... Read MORE...
Our Lancaster Gift Ideas
Discover Your Roots: Lancaster Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were born or died in Lancaster.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Stephen ATKINSON (1682, Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA - 21 July 1742, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA)Andrew SCOTT (December 1706, Ashkirk, Roxburghshire, Scotland - 29 January 1794, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA)Archibald SLOAN (1719, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA - 1789, Rowan County, North Carolina, USA)
Margaret WARREN? (1719, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA - 1788, Rowan County, North Carolina, USA)Christian KNOPF (1726, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA - 1808, East Cocalico, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA)Archibald MCDERMOTT (1730, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA - , )Jacob TOMBAUGH (20 April 1735, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA - 25 July 1788, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA)Stephen ATKINSON (1738, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA - , )John Newton SLOAN (2 August 1740, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA - 20 June 1780, Lincoln, North Carolina, USA)Ancestors Who Were Married in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Lancaster.View Them Now
Barak Scarborough FISHER (19 February 1736 - 26 March 1784) and Mary BUTLER (19 December 1743 - 1809) married 18 February 1761
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NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.Updated: 10/15/2023 8:06:21 AM