1. Capital for a Day
Lancaster, America’s oldest inland city, was the nation’s capital when the Continental Congress met downtown for one day in 1777.
2. Market Daze
Dating to 1731, the Lancaster Central Market is the nation’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market.
3. Going Underground
Some escaping slaves followed the Underground Railroad through parts of Lancaster County, including Columbia, Peach Bottom and the Octoraro Creek.
4. Burning Bridges
Heading toward Harrisburg in June 1863, Confederate forces were slowed when the Pennsylvania Militia burned the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge.
5. Go West
The Conestoga wagons that carried pioneers westward were named after heavy, broad-wheeled wagons first manufactured in Conestoga.
6. Fulton Steam Ahead
Fulton this. Fulton that. Turns out, steamboat pioneer Robert Fulton was born near Quarryville, and his home is a state historical site (in Fulton Township, of course).
7. Kissing Bridges
Lancaster County’s 29 covered bridges are popular sites for bicyclists and driving tours.
8. Saving Nature
Lancaster County Conservancy’s Boyer Nature Preserve was once home to one of the largest Native American settlements east of the Mississippi.
9. Red and Ripe
Summertime visitors come from as far as New Jersey, Pittsburgh and Virginia for their yearly fix of flavorful Washington Boro tomatoes.
10. Mud Slinging
Many Lancaster County fire companies fundraise with mud sales, the annual auctions and sales held during springtime thaws.
11. Amish Growth
Lancaster County’s Amish residents, with roots dating to the early 18th century, have doubled in number since 1990.
12. Repurposeful
Lancaster’s tradition of repurposing every useable thing, like making fabric scraps into quilts, thrives in the 300 block of Queen Street, where stores abound with upcycled stuff.
13. Public Spectacles
Public art is flourishing, from Poetry Paths inscribing poems in artworks to 42 wind sculptures slated to adorn the new Lititz Pike Bridge.
14. Farm Fresh
Two words: roadside stands. Berries, tomatoes, pumpkins, honey, cider, eggs, preserves, root beer, whoopee pies…
15. In a twist
Pretzels are still made at the Sturgis Pretzel House, Lititz, where America’s first pretzel bakery was established in 1861.
Compiled by M. Diane McCormick
