List of Pennsylvania state historical markers in Lancaster County facts for kids

Lancaster County is in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is a place rich in history! All around this county, you can find special signs called Pennsylvania state historical markers. These markers are like outdoor history books, telling stories about important people, places, and events that happened right here. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) puts them up to help everyone learn about the past. There are 81 of these markers in Lancaster County, each one sharing a unique piece of history. Let's explore some of the most interesting ones!

Famous People from Lancaster County
Key Moments in History
- The Christiana Riot: A Fight for Freedom
- American Revolution Connections
Important Places and Buildings
Innovations and Industries
Education and Learning
- Franklin and Marshall College
- Millersville University
Images for kids
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Famous People from Lancaster County

Lancaster County has been home to many amazing people who made a big difference.

James Buchanan: A President from Pennsylvania

James Buchanan was the 15th U.S. President.

Did you know a U.S. President lived in Lancaster? James Buchanan was the 15th President of the United States. He served from 1857 to 1861, just before the Civil War. You can find markers about him in Lancaster City, including one at his grave and another at his home, Wheatland. His home, Wheatland, is a beautiful mansion where he lived before and after his presidency.

Thaddeus Stevens: A Champion for Freedom

Thaddeus Stevens fought for equal rights.

Thaddeus Stevens was a powerful politician from Lancaster. He was a strong voice in Congress during the Civil War and the years after. Stevens believed deeply that all people should be equal, especially African Americans. He fought hard for the rights of formerly enslaved people and for public education. His work helped shape America's future.

Barney Ewell: An Olympic Sprinter

Barney Ewell was a fast runner.

Henry Norwood "Barney" Ewell was an incredible athlete from Lancaster. He was a talented sprinter who won three medals at the 1948 Olympic Games! He won a silver medal in the 100-meter dash, another silver in the 200-meter dash, and a gold medal as part of the 4x100-meter relay team. A marker for him is located at McCaskey High School, where he was a student.

Charles Demuth: A Modern Artist

Charles Demuth's home in Lancaster.

Charles Demuth was a famous American artist born in Lancaster. He was known for his unique painting style, which included watercolors and precisionism. Precisionism focused on sharp, clear lines and geometric shapes, often showing industrial landscapes and buildings. His artwork is displayed in major museums around the world. You can see a marker at his former home in Lancaster City.

Robert Fulton: Steamboat Inventor

Robert Fulton's birthplace.

Robert Fulton was an inventor and engineer born in Lancaster County. He is most famous for developing the first commercially successful steamboat, the North River Steamboat (later known as the Clermont). His invention changed transportation forever, making it easier and faster to travel on rivers and canals. A marker stands at his birthplace.

Key Moments in History

Lancaster County has been the setting for many important historical events.

The Christiana Riot: A Fight for Freedom

Documents related to the Christiana Riot.

The Christiana Riot was a dramatic event that happened in 1851. It involved a group of formerly enslaved people and their allies who resisted a slave catcher trying to capture them under the Fugitive Slave Act. This event highlighted the deep divisions in America over slavery and was an important moment in the history of the Underground Railroad. A marker near Christiana tells this powerful story.

American Revolution Connections

Lancaster played a role in the fight for American independence.

George Ross was a lawyer from Lancaster who signed the Declaration of Independence. He was a key figure in Pennsylvania's government during the Revolution.
Joseph Simon was an important businessman in early Lancaster. He helped supply the American army during the Revolutionary War.
The Military Stables and Barracks in Lancaster were used to house soldiers and horses during the American Revolution.

Important Places and Buildings

Many historical buildings and towns in Lancaster County have their own stories.

Ephrata Cloister: A Unique Community

Buildings at the Ephrata Cloister.

The Ephrata Cloister was a unique religious community founded in the 1700s. Members lived a simple, spiritual life, focusing on prayer, work, and study. They were known for their beautiful calligraphy, music, and printing. Today, it is a historic site where you can learn about their fascinating way of life.

Fulton Opera House: A Stage for Entertainment

The historic Fulton Opera House.

The Fulton Opera House in Lancaster City is one of the oldest working theaters in the United States. It opened in 1852 and has hosted countless plays, concerts, and performances over the years. It's a beautiful example of historic architecture and continues to be a vibrant center for arts and culture.

Conestoga Indian Town: Native American History

The area where Conestoga Town once stood.

Long before European settlers arrived, Native American tribes lived in Lancaster County. The Conestoga Indian Town was a village of the Susquehannock people, later known as the Conestoga. This marker reminds us of the rich history and presence of Native Americans in this region. Another marker, the Conoy Indian Town, also points to another important Native American settlement.

Lititz: A Moravian Settlement

A street scene in Lititz.

The town of Lititz was founded by Moravians, a Protestant religious group, in the mid-1700s. They built a planned community with a focus on faith, education, and craftsmanship. The Moravian Gemeinhaus was a central building for their community life. Lititz still has many historic buildings that show its unique heritage.

Innovations and Industries

Lancaster County was a hub for new ideas and important industries.

The Conestoga Wagon: A Frontier Workhorse

A Conestoga Wagon.

The Conestoga Wagon was a large, sturdy wagon developed in the Conestoga Valley of Lancaster County. These wagons were essential for moving goods and people across long distances, especially during the westward expansion of the United States. They were often called "ships of the land" and played a huge role in American transportation history.

The Pennsylvania Rifle: A Famous Firearm

The Pennsylvania Rifle, also known as the "Kentucky Rifle," was a type of long rifle developed in Lancaster County during the 1700s. These rifles were known for their accuracy and played an important role in the American Revolution and on the frontier. They were crafted by skilled gunsmiths in the region.

Early Telegraph: Connecting the World

The Early Telegraph marker highlights how new technologies came to Lancaster County. The telegraph was a revolutionary invention that allowed messages to be sent quickly over long distances using electrical signals. This changed communication forever, making it possible to share news and information much faster than before.

Lincoln Highway: America's First Coast-to-Coast Road

The Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge, part of the Lincoln Highway.

The Lincoln Highway was the first road in America to stretch from coast to coast, connecting New York City to San Francisco. A section of this historic road runs through Lancaster County, including the impressive Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge. This highway was a major step forward in transportation and helped connect the country.

Education and Learning

Education has always been important in Lancaster County.

Franklin and Marshall College

Old Main building at Franklin & Marshall College.

Franklin and Marshall College is a well-known college located in Lancaster City. It was founded in 1787 and has a long history of providing excellent education. Many students have gone on to achieve great things after studying here.

Millersville University

A building at Millersville University.

Millersville University is another important educational institution in Lancaster County. It started as a normal school, training teachers, and has grown into a large university offering many different programs. It plays a big role in educating students from the region and beyond.