In the market to plan an offbeat family vacation? If you haven’t heard much of Lancaster or have overlooked the city before this, you may want pinch yourself for missing an opportunity to visit a great city with lots of opportunities.
Luckily, it’s never too late. Here’s why you may want to put Lancaster on your list of desired cities. And who knows? You may even end up becoming one of its many content residents!
Rich Character Within A Historic Settlement
Nestled in South Central Pennsylvania, Lancaster serves up rich historic character as one of the oldest U.S. inland towns and one of the biggest settlements for the Amish community. Lancaster has also fought back against different economic downturns by transitioning itself into the perfect destination for travelers thanks to a myriad of sightseeing opportunities.
The best way to explore this charming town is to walk around because you never know what might catch your eye. Featuring a number of historical landmarks, art exhibits, museums and famous estates, culture buffs may end up settling here after a vacation because there’s just so much to explore.
A Brief History
Lancaster and the surrounding area formed part of the Penn Woods Charter, granted to William Penn in 1681. The city itself was designed by James Hamilton. It was incorporated as a city in 1818. Lancaster’s early settlers included many migrants from Europe, mostly from Germany, Scotland and Ireland. Several Lancaster residents also have Puerto Rican ancestry.
Originally known as Hickory Town, Lancaster was named by John Wright after the English town with the same name. The city’s symbol, a red rose, has been taken from the House of Lancaster, an ancient British family.
Once the revolution in America was over, Lancaster became a hub for iron foundries with the famous Pennsylvania long rifle and the Conestoga wagon manufactured here.
Other Interesting Historical Facts
James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States called Lancaster home. His estate, Wheatland, remains one of the top visitor sites in the region,
Abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens had a law practice in Lancaster. He later became a powerful member of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 1860’s. He fiercely opposed slavery and worked to secure the rights of African Americans after the Civil War.
Lancaster has been both the National capitol and the state capitol at different times in its history. The city was the US Capitol for a day during the American Revolution, September 27th, 1777. And from 1799 to 1812, Lancaster served as the capitol of Pennsylvania.
Last but certainly not least, “Peeps”, the brightly colored, marshmallow chicks, were invented in Lancaster in the 1920’s by the Rodda Candy Company.
A Visual Guide Into The Physical Characteristics
Lancaster is set against the backdrop of gentle rolling hills, open parklands, and tree-lined streets. Amish farmland exists just outside the city limits, taking visitors back to a time of simplicity.Warm and humid summers with mild winters make this city conducive to visitors and residents like.
Just 70 miles from Philadelphia and 55 miles from Baltimore, Lancaster enjoys a conveniently accessible location, which makes it very attractive to businesses and potential residents. The city retains a small town charm and offers a lower cost of living which make it a great place to call home.
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