Featuring: 10Best, Southern Living, Sunset, Coastal Living, Cottage Living, Southern Accents and Cooking Light

Home
Travel Guides
- Browse Guides by:
- Country
- State
- City
Activities
Event Tickets
- Event Tickets:
- Concerts
- Sports
- Theater
- Baseball (MLB)
- Browse All
Mobile
- Mobile Guides:
- 10Best Podcast
- Learn More...
My Account
"10Best Bet" Awards!

Learn more about
Lancaster

PENNSYLVANIA

More about Lancaster

Browse our 10Best Recommendations:

Events

Attractions & Activities

Hotels and Lodging

Restaurants

Shopping

Lancaster, the "Red Rose City," was founded in 1729 and today blends traditional Pennsylvania Dutch charm with a rich, fascinating history. Though it was named in honor of Lancaster, England, the Pennsylvania town had little trouble deciding which side it was on when the fervor of revolution swept through the land in the 1770s. In fact, Lancaster was a key munitions producer for the Continentals during the War for Independence, and the city even served a turn as the fledging nation's capital on September 27, 1777 when members of the Continental Congress regrouped here after fleeing Philadelphia. Nowadays, Lancaster acts as a doorway to the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, which promises a variety of unique destinations. In town is the nineteenth-century Central Market, the oldest publicly-owned farmer's market in the country. Visitors amble past stands of regional products such as homemade sausage, bread-and-butter pickles, headcheese, fresh cut flowers, and handcrafted baskets. To learn more about the area, the Heritage Center Museum of Lancaster in Penn Square is good place to start, and just a few minutes drive from town are popular attractions ranging from the historical (Rock Ford Plantation) to the presidential (James Buchanan's Wheatland) to the cultural (People's Place).

Lancaster Facts

Fact 1: In the 18th century, before the emergence of railroads forever changed the face of inland travel, the wagon was the primary mode of transport for people going from A to B. That said, craftsmen in Lancaster built one of the day's finest, most durable wagons – the Conestoga, a vehicle revered for handling poor road conditions and being able to carry several tons of load.

Fact 2: Lancaster is known for the "widow-maker," which is now known as the Kentucky rifle. It was once was called the "long-muzzled Pennsylvania Rifle" and manufactured in southern Lancaster county.

Fact 3: According to the most recent US census Lancaster is home to almost half a million people, making it the most populated county in PA outside of Philly and Pittsburg.

Fact 4: Lancaster, PA is the oldest inland city on America. It borrows its name and the "Red Rose" symbol from Lancaster, England.

Fact 5: Hershey's Chocolate was founded in Lancaster in 1894.

Fact 6: Hamilton Watch Company manufactured some of the most accurate timepieces. They included the first battery – operated wristwatch and the digital watch.

Fact 7: James Buchanan lived in Lancaster and has the distinction of being the only Pennsylvanian to serve as US President. Because he never married, Buchanan was known as the "Bachelor President." Today, history buffs may visit his estate, Wheatland, located just a few miles from downtown Lancaster.

Fact 8: One local historic landmark is the 1852 Fulton Opera House, said to be the oldest continuously operating theater in the country. The Fulton is located on Prince Street, one block west of the square.

Fact 9: The Central Market is the oldest publicly owned market in the nation, built in 1889. Market days are Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and people arrive early for best selections.

Fact 10: The Town Square offers glimpses at several different architectural styles. Among the more noteworthy structures are the 1874 Civil War Monument and the old City Hall, which dates from 1795 and serves as home to the Heritage Center Museum.