Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
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. During the last 10 years, great improvement has been made in the appearance and business of the city. Gas-light has been introduced by a company with a capital of $100,000. Three large steam cotton factories have been put in operation, giving employment to 800 persons. A new county prison, of sandstone, has been erected at a cost of $110,000. The new court house, nearly finished, is a magnificent edifice, in the Grecian style : the cost is estimated at above $100,000. Franklin College, of this place, was founded in 1787, but subsequently declined. Recently a charter was obtained for the union of this institution with Marshall College, on the condition that $25,000 should be raised by the citizens of Lancaster county. This sum having been collected, the buildings will be erected the present year, (1853,) and the institution will be speedily organized. Lancaster contains about 16 churches, among which are 2 Lutheran, 2 or 3 German Re formed, 2 Methodist, 1 or 2 Presbyterian. 1 Episcopal, 1 Moravian, 2 Roman Catholic, and 1 Winebrennerian. The First Lutheran has a steeple 200 feet in height. Among the remarkable buildings may be mentioned Fulton Hall, recently erected for the accommodation of public assemblies and musical concerts. Its dimensions are 105 feet long, by 57 wide. The city also contains a classical academy, 2 public libraries and 3 banks. It is noted for the manufacture of rifles, axes, carriages, and threshing machines. It is plentifully supplied with water brought in pipes from Conestoga creek. The inhabit ants are mostly of German descent. Lancaster was laid out in 1730, and incorporated as a city in 1818. Population in 1800, 4292; in 1840, 8417 ; in 1850, 12,309; and in 185;3, about 14,000.

A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

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