15 Fast Facts About York County
How many of these York County firsts and facts did you already know? Read on to find out all 15.
A Date to Remember
York County was founded in 1749, after separating from Lancaster County.
Westward Bound
York County was Pennsylvania’s first county established west of the Susquehanna River.
British Invasion
The city of York was named after York, England.
By Any Other Name
York is also known as the White Rose City, named after the symbol of the House of York.
Fair Share
Called “America’s first fair,” The York Fair was originally held in York City in 1765, 11 years before the nation was founded.
Capital Gains
For nine months, from late 1777 until mid-1778, York served as the Capital of the United States.
New Nation
York was the birthplace of the Articles of Confederation, and it was in this city that the name “The United States of America” was coined.
Talking Turkey
In 1831, Phineas Davis built the York, the first successful coal-burning locomotive.
Clay Day
In 1881, John K. Gross of the Northern Central Railway introduced the first telephone to York County. The line ran from Railroad to Shrewsbury.
To Market, To Market
York’s Central Market was built in 1888, and is the only one of York’s first markets that is still operating at its original location.
Heavy Medal
York Barbell lifter Tony Terlazzo was the first Olympic winner from York in 1936.
Freshly Minted
In 1940 the famous York Peppermint Pattie was created in the city.
Young Love
York County is the fastest-growing county attracting 20- to 35-year-olds in the state.
*Source information from City of York, York County Heritage Trust, York Fair, CityTownInfo and York Dispatch/Sunday News.
