Lancaster is a city in and is the county seat of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and is the eighth largest city in the state with a population of 55,351. The city itself is considered a hub of art, culture, shopping and dining, due to being packed with art, museums, historical attractions, restaurants and cafes, theatres, shops and boutiques. The city is proud of its numerous shopping districts, and is home to a quirky, eclectic selection of antique stores, retro and collectible shops, glass studios and casual cafes. Lancaster boasts its unique historical landmarks of Central Market and Fulton Theatre. Central Market is the country's oldest continuously-operating farmers' market and offers fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, flowers, craft and much more. Fulton Theatre is the oldest continuously-operating theatre in the country and one of only three national historic landmark theatres.
History
Lancaster began as a place called Hickory Town and was later renamed after the English city of Lancaster by native John Wright. Lancaster was part of the 1681 Penn's Woods Charter of William Penn, and was laid out by James Hamilton in 1734. It was incorporated as a borough in 1742 and incorporated as a city in 1818. During the American Revolution, it was the capital of the colonies for a single day, September 27, 1777, when the Continental Congress fled Philadelphia, which had been captured by the British. In 1737, the Lancaster County Prison was built in the city, styled after Lancaster Castle in England. The prison remains in use, and was used for public hangings until 1912.
The city of Lancaster was home to several important figures in American history.
The fifteenth President of the United States, James Buchanan, had an estate in Lancaster. Thaddeus Stevens, considered among the most powerful members of the United States House of Representatives, lived in Lancaster as an attorney. The Fulton Opera House in the city was named for Lancaster native Robert Fulton, a renaissance man who created the first fully functional steamboat.
After the American Revolution, the city of Lancaster became the main producer of two of the most common products needed by pioneers to settle the Frontier: the Conestoga wagon and the Pennsylvania long rifle. The Conestoga wagon was named after the Conestoga River, which runs through the city.
In 1803, Meriwether Lewis visited Lancaster to be educated in survey methods by the well-known surveyor Andrew Ellicott. During his visit, Lewis learned to plot latitude and longitude as part of his overall training needed to lead the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In 1879, Franklin Winfield Woolworth opened his first successful "five and dime" store in the city of Lancaster. The F. W. Woolworth Company is succeeded by Foot Locker. For this and more information on Lancaster’s rich and vibrant history, please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancaster,_Pennsylvania#History.
Attractions
Lancaster is proud to be home to numerous attractions and entertainment options for all ages and interests. Take a ride in an Amish buggy, whip around on a roller coaster, ride an historic steam locomotive, play a round of championship golf, tour an operating farm, enjoy a peaceful hot air balloon ride, and take in a play all in the same day. You can also tour a former Amish schoolhouse, enjoy challenging miniature golf or waterslides, go tubing down a quiet country river, visit an outdoor petting zoo, and bicycle through the Amish farmlands. For this and more information about Lancaster attractions, please visit: http://www.800padutch.com/mem-att.shtml
Museums Museums in Lancaster include the Biblical Tabernacle Reproduction, the Hands-On House Children’s Museum of Lancaster, and the National Watch and Clock Museum. For a complete list of museums located in the Lancaster area, please visit: http://www.800padutch.com/museums.shtml
Amish Farm & House The Amish Farm and House is the United States’ first Amish attraction. The Amish Farm and House are dedicated to providing correct information about the Old Order Amish lifestyle. This attraction plays a major role in shaping the local community and proudly serves visitors with a fun, respectful and accurate glimpse into Amish life
Parks & Recreation
Dedicated to improving the quality of life in Lancaster, the Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation provides facilities and programs that encourage participation in outdoor activities and foster personal action for the conservation of natural resources. The Department works hard to preserve and maintain significant tracts of land and water for recreation and for conservation of scenic, historical, geological and ecologically significant areas. The Department sees over six regional parks and two recreational trails, making up a total of 2,003 acres. All County parks and services are open to visitors and residents alike. Please visit the official Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation website at: http://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/parks/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=516085&parksNav=|
