History of Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster is one of the oldest cities in the United States of America. It is located 71 miles west of Philadelphia and is surrounded by the powerful Susquehanna River on the north and west.

In 1709, German immigrants known as Pennsylvania Dutch (from the German word "Deutsch") were the first to colonize in the region. Historically, it was known as "Hickory Village." It was planned out in building lots and out lots by the Honorable James Hamilton, and on May 10, 1729, it became the county seat. John Wright, a prominent citizen, named it Lancaster after Lancaster, England, where he had previously resided. Because of its connection to Lancaster, England, the city is nicknamed "Red Rose City." Lancaster became a borough in 1742, a chartered city on March 10, 1818, and a Third-Class City under the statutes of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on May 27, 1924, after renouncing its ancient city charter.

During the Revolutionary War, Lancaster was a vital center for the production of arms. When the Continental Congress fled British forces on September 27, 1777, it was the National Capital of the American colonies (who had captured Philadelphia). From 1799 to 1812, Pennsylvania's capital was Lancaster. Learn about the geography of Lancaster, PA.