Fairplay, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fairplay
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Fairplay in 1935, looking towards Gettysburg
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 Fairplay
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Adams |
| Township | Freedom Township |
| Elevation | 515 ft (157 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
17325
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| Area code(s) | 717 |
Fairplay is a small community located in Adams County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known as an "unincorporated community." This means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's part of Freedom Township.
Fairplay is situated in an interesting historical area. It lies between the famous Gettysburg Battlefield and the historic Mason–Dixon line. You can find it where U.S. Route 15 and Emmitsburg Road meet, close to Marsh Creek.
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About Fairplay's Location
Fairplay's location is quite special. It's in Adams County, Pennsylvania, a state in the northeastern United States. The community is part of Freedom Township, which is one of the many smaller areas that make up Adams County.
Being an "unincorporated community" means that Fairplay doesn't have its own mayor or town council. Services like roads and schools are managed by the larger Freedom Township or Adams County. This often makes such communities quieter and more rural.
How to Find Fairplay
If you were looking for Fairplay on a map, you would find it at a key intersection. It's where two important roads cross: U.S. Route 15 and Emmitsburg Road. This crossroads is also near a small body of water called Marsh Creek.
The area around Fairplay is mostly countryside. It's a peaceful place, but it's also close to some very famous historical sites. This mix of quiet living and historical importance makes Fairplay unique.
Fairplay's Historical Connections
Fairplay has a direct link to one of the most important events in American history: the Battle of Gettysburg. This major battle happened during the American Civil War. Fairplay's location, very close to the battlefield, meant it played a small but significant role.
General Reynolds' Headquarters
The night before the Battle of Gettysburg began, a very important military leader stayed in Fairplay. General John F. Reynolds set up his headquarters at a place called Moritz' Tavern. This tavern was right at the main intersection in Fairplay.
General Reynolds was a highly respected Union Army commander. His decision to stay in Fairplay shows how close the community was to the unfolding events of the battle. The next day, General Reynolds was one of the first high-ranking officers to be killed in the battle.
The Battle of Gettysburg's Impact
The Battle of Gettysburg, fought in July 1863, was a turning point in the Civil War. It was the battle with the most casualties and a major victory for the Union. Fairplay's proximity to this historic event means that the land around it holds many stories from that time.
Even today, visitors to the Gettysburg Battlefield can learn about the movements of soldiers and generals, including those who passed through or stayed in places like Fairplay. The image in the infobox shows Fairplay in 1935, looking towards Gettysburg, reminding us of this connection.
