Hempfield, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hempfield, Pennsylvania
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Country | United States |
State | Pennsylvania |
County | Lancaster |
Township | West Hempfield |
Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
Hempfield is a small community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It's not a big city but a smaller area located within West Hempfield Township. You can find it a few miles west of Lancaster, which is the main city of the county.
A Look Back: Hempfield's History
Hempfield Township has a long history! It was one of the very first townships created when Lancaster County was officially mapped out in 1729. A "township" is like a local government area, often including several small communities.
Back then, Hempfield Township was much larger than it is today. It included the areas we now know as East Hempfield Township, West Hempfield Township, Manor Township, and the towns of Columbia, Mountville, and East Petersburg. Over time, these areas became their own separate places.
Why is it Called Hempfield?
The name "Hempfield" actually tells us something about the area's past. It is believed that the community was named because of the many fields of hemp that used to grow there. Hemp is a type of plant that was grown for its fibers, which could be used to make ropes, cloth, and other materials.
A Local Artist
Hempfield is known for being the home of Christian Strenge. He was a famous artist who created a special kind of folk art called fraktur. Fraktur art often features colorful drawings, fancy lettering, and designs. It was popular among German immigrants in Pennsylvania.