Travel Article: History in the Streets of Lancaster


	The Flag Flys at City Hall ¹

George Washington, Ben Franklin, Thomas Payne, James Buchanan, they all played pivotal roles in the independence of the United States of America, they also, at one point, walked the streets of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Named after Lancashire, England, Lancaster, PA was well established by 1730 and quickly became instrumental in the young nation's development.

Between the late 1700s and the early 1800s, Lancaster was the largest inland city in both America and most of England. The city was capital of Pennsylvania from 1799 to 1812. It was even the nation's capital for a day in 1777 when the Continental Congress met here after fleeing British captured Philadelphia.

Living History

Though this capable city is no longer close to being the largest in America, Lancaster now holds a new title as the country's oldest inland city.

Unlike many other cities its age, in Lancaster there is a strong movement towards the preservation and restoration of its older buildings. Due to this, the streets of Historic Downtown are still dominated by a medley of classic construction that has earned the city national recognition for its architectural heritage.

Georgian homes, Art Deco hotels, Italianate mansions, Germanic factories, in Lancaster these and other historical structures are continually being revitalized for use today. These projects, arising all over the city, aim to improve the visitor and resident experience while creating an atmosphere where American heritage can thrive.

Useful Links


	Penn Square in Historic Downtown ²

WorldWeb Travel Guide has compiled three useful directories designed to help those visiting Lancaster find what they need, when they need it.

Accommodation Directory—This is a complete Lancaster and Dutch Country accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, luxury resorts, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.

Secure Room Reservations—Check for Dutch Country room availability and then make secure online room reservations for participating properties with this convenient link.

Maps—The Dutch Country map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

Location, Location, Location

Lancaster City is set 368 ft (112 m) above sea level, amidst the tranquil farmlands and rolling hills of Dutch Country, Pennsylvania. It sits about 34 mi (55 km) southwest of Harrisburg, 70 mi (113 km) west of Philadelphia, 55 mi (88 km) northeast of Baltimore and 87 mi (140 km) north of Washington, D.C.

The annual temperatures in the area average out at a comfortable 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures hover around 27ºF (-3ºC) and the area receives about 31 in (79 cm) of snowfall. Temperatures in the summer average out at a balmy 75ºF (24ºC), more than making up for the chilly winters. The Lancaster region receives an average of 43 in (109 cm) of rainfall yearly with most of it falling in the first and third quarter.

Locomotion

Getting to Lancaster and around the city streets is fairly simple, it is the American East after all.

Trains can be a very convenient way to get from city to city. In Lancaster, Amtrak maintains a station at 53 McGovern Avenue which connects the city with Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and beyond.

Buses form a reliable network of transportation all across North America. Companies like Capitol Trailways and Greyhound will provide convenient transit to and from Lancaster.

The Lancaster Airport is located north of downtown. It receives domestic flights from U.S. Airways and is available for charter flights 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Red Rose Transit Authority provides public transportation for the Lancaster County community. They offer fixed-route, shared-ride, and special trolley service throughout the city and surrounding areas.

Back to the Past

Lancaster has much to offer visitors, especially for history buffs who are interested in America's past.


	The Towers of Central Market ³

Start with Penn Square. Located where King Street and Queen Street meet, the Square is considered the true heart of this historic city. Numerous shops, restaurants and bars, coupled with an ingrained timeless feel, make this area ideal for a rich stroll, day or night. It's hard to miss the Soldier and Sailor Monument at the center of the square. A centerpiece for the whole city, this stoic statue has stood since July 4, 1874 in honor of those who have fought and died in times of war.

Cross King Street to North Market Street and find the oldest publicly-owned and continuously-operated farmers' market in America. It is housed in a distinctive, redbrick building whose towers can be seen from far and wide. Though this hardy, crimson building has been home to the market since 1889, the farmers, bakers and butchers of Lancaster have congregated here since the 16th century. Be there every Tuesday and Friday, when the market springs to life.

The city's Central Market Area is more than a flourishing farmers' market, it extends beyond those brick walls to encompass museums, boutiques, cafes and gourmet shops along with some of the city's finest restaurants, nightclubs and pubs. This hub of activity also hosts many of the city's special events including the annual Harvest Breakfast in October and the Christmas Tree Lighting in December.

A block west on Prince Street, The Fulton Opera House has stood since 1852, instating it as the oldest continually running theatre in the U.S. Also known simply as the Fulton, this theatre has a fine reputation for staging quality musicals, operas, ballets and theatrical productions, year round.

Trinity Lutheran Church is located southeast of Penn Square. Here, statues of the four evangelists stand guard at the corners of a steeple that was once the tallest structure west of Philadelphia. Originating a half-century before the Declaration of Independence, this holy house is one of the oldest of its kind in Pennsylvania, adding to the city's reputation for antiquity.

On East King Street, adjacent to Thaddeus Stevens College, the Lancaster County Prison has stood since 1852. This impressive fortress resembles an 18th century castle of England. It is composed of four towers and a curtain wall pierced by an arched gateway. The prison, however, is still used today for detaining prisoners and is therefore not open to the public.


	Colorful Homes in Lancaster ⁴

The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is located at 512 East Strawberry Street. Dating back as far as 1817, this sanctuary served as a station on the Underground Railroad and as a center of spiritual renewal for free African-Americans. It is home to the Living Experience: an annual reenactment of the Underground Railroad in Pennsylvania along with a traditional dinner.

Travel 1 mi (1.6 km) south of the city to Lancaster County Central Park and find the Rock Ford Plantation. This Georgian style brick mansion was built in 1794 and has remained remarkably preserved ever since. It was opened to the public in 1960 by the Rock Ford Foundation. The living history program at the museum includes guided tours, children's activities and open-hearth cooking demonstrations.

What To Do, What To Do

Of course, like much of Dutch Country, Lancaster is home to various antique and collectible stores, museums, galleries and cafes. Conveniently, many of these shops are centralized in the 300 block of North Queen Street. This restored shopping district is the site of an annual Back to the Past Block Party held every summer. The event features dance contests, live music, food, and fun for the whole family.

On the first Friday of every month over 60 galleries, museums, shops and restaurants extend their hours in support of premieres and show openings. Dubbed First Fridays for obvious reason, these events present a great opportunity to experience Lancaster's artistic energy and community.

Northwest of the Central Market, the James Street District has seen many new improvements of late. The people who live here make sure it is a safe and clean environment. Spend a day in this lively community and catch a ballgame at Clipper Magazine Stadium or enjoy one of the many events and activities provided by various organizations and institutions. Throughout the year, James Street is bustling with art exhibits, fasion shows and concerts.


	A Suite at the Arts Hotel ⁵

Find a Place to Stay

There are a fair amount of accommodations in and around the city. The options include first-class hotels, travel lodges and an army of bed and breakfasts. For those who want to stay in the heart of it all, Hotel Arts, Hotel Brunswick and the Courtyard by Marriott all offer inclusive, contemporary lodgings.

The Marriott Lancaster at Penn Square is scheduled to open in spring 2009. This new, upscale, full-service hotel, is being meticulously constructed within the former Watt & Shand Building. Part of the revitalization of downtown Lancaster, the Marriott project will mesh a modern 12 story hotel and convention center into the heart of the city.

For those who don't wish to stay downtown there is no shortage of hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts in the surrounding districts. The selection includes Travelodge, Travel Inn and Quality Inn, plus numerous independent lodgings.

Who's Who in Lancaster

It has been mentioned how much history is wrapped up in this city, however, this not only pertains to buildings but people too. The list of famous figures from Lancaster includes a president, an artist and and some very inventive people. Worth checking out, the legacy of many of these figures lives on at historic sites across the city.

The mansion of James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, still stands amidst groves of stately trees at 1120 Marietta Avenue. Entitled Wheatland, this historic site is now open to the public. Stop by on April 21 and celebrate James Buchanan's Birthday with free tours, birthday cake and a production by Buchanan Elementary students.

In the heart of downtown, the Demuth Foundation operates the restored home, studio and garden of the world-renowned, Modernist artist Charles Demuth. The museum is located at 120 East King Street. It exhibits a permanent collection of Demuth's work and offers educational programs about this famous American painter.

Entrepreneurs like Frank W. Woolworth of Woolworth's and Milton Hershey of Hershey Chocolate got their start in Lancaster. The first battery-powered watch was released by Lancaster's Hamilton Watch Company and Robert Fulton, inventor of the first commercially successful steamboat was born here in 1765.

PHOTO COURTESY

The Flag Flys at City Hall; Lancaster, P.A., USA
Penn Square in Historic Downtown; Lancaster, P.A., USA
The Towers of Central Market; Lancaster, P.A., USA
Colorful Homes in Lancaster; Lancaster, P.A., USA
c/o Lancaster Arts Hotel; A Suite at the Arts Hotel; Lancaster, P.A., USA

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History in the Streets of Lancaster