York, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
York
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| Nickname(s):
The White Rose City
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Location of York in York County, Pennsylvania.
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 York, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
York, Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  Pennsylvania |
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| County | York | ||||
| Laid out | 1741 | ||||
| – Borough | September 24, 1787 | ||||
| – City | January 11, 1887 | ||||
| Area | |||||
| • City | 5.34 sq mi (13.84 km2) | ||||
| • Land | 5.29 sq mi (13.71 km2) | ||||
| • Water | 0.05 sq mi (0.13 km2) | ||||
| Elevation | 367 ft (112 m) | ||||
| Population
(2020)
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| • City | 44,800 | ||||
| • Density | 8,389.5/sq mi (3,237.0/km2) | ||||
| • Urban | 238,549 (US: 168th) | ||||
| • Urban density | 2,109.6/sq mi (814.5/km2) | ||||
| • Metro | 456,438 (US: 121st) | ||||
| Time zone | UTC−5 (EST) | ||||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | ||||
| ZIP Codes |
17401, 17403–17405
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| Area code(s) | 717 and 223 | ||||
| FIPS code | 42-87048 | ||||
| GNIS feature ID | 1215771 | ||||
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York is a city in Pennsylvania, United States. It is the main city of York County. The city is located in South Central Pennsylvania. In 2020, about 44,800 people lived there. This makes it the tenth-largest city in Pennsylvania.
York was started in 1741. It was a very important place during the American Revolutionary War. From September 1777 to June 1778, the Continental Congress met here. During this time, the Articles of Confederation were written. These were the first rules for the new United States. York is the biggest city in the York–Hanover area.
Contents
History of York
Old Buildings and Areas
York is sometimes called an "architectural museum." This is because many old buildings are still standing in the downtown area. Some examples include the Golden Plough Tavern from 1741 and the General Horatio Gates House from 1751. Other important buildings are the York Meetinghouse (1766) and the York Central Market (1888). The Temple Beth Israel (1907) is also a famous building.
There are also four special historic districts in the city. These are areas with many old buildings. They include the Fairmount, Northwest York, Springdale, and York Historic Districts.
York in the 1700s
York was founded in 1741 by people from the Philadelphia area. They named it after the city of York in England. By 1777, many people living in York were from Germany or Scotland and Ireland. York became a borough in 1787 and a city in 1887.
During the American Revolutionary War, York was the temporary capital of the Continental Congress. The Articles of Confederation were written and approved here. These Articles were the first official plan for the United States.
York calls itself the "first Capital of the United States." This is because the Articles of Confederation were the first legal paper to call the colonies "the United States of America." Some historians say it was the fourth capital. The Conway Cabal, a plan against General George Washington, started in the Golden Plough Tavern in York.
York in the 1800s
From 1800 to 1840, York was one of the 100 largest cities in the United States.
During the American Civil War, York was the biggest Northern town taken over by the Confederate army. This happened in June 1863. The Confederate soldiers collected food, supplies, and money from the people. The York U.S. Army Hospital helped many Union soldiers who were hurt in battles.
After the Civil War, York became an important industrial center. Factories started making steam engines, railroad parts, and paper. York also has many unique old buildings, from colonial homes to large churches.
York in the 1900s
The York Motor Car Co. built Pullman automobiles in York from 1905 to 1917. One special six-wheeled car was in one of the city's first car accidents. Another car was driven all the way to San Francisco and back. This showed how reliable these cars were.
The Pfaltzgraff company, known for its pottery, was in York for over 100 years. They made pottery here until 2005. The famous York Peppermint Pattie candy was also created in York in 1940.
During the middle of the 1900s, York faced challenges related to fairness and equality for all its residents. There were times of tension and unrest. Two people, Lily Allen and Henry C. Schaad, died during these difficult times in 1969. These events were later looked into.
York in the 2000s
In 2002, the city needed more money for its budget. The mayor asked people to donate a small amount. This plan got attention across the country.
After many years, York finally got a new baseball stadium and a team. In 2007, Santander Stadium opened. It is home to the York Revolution baseball team. This stadium and other new buildings show how York is growing and improving.
In 2008, National Public Radio featured York in a series called "The York Project: Race & the '08 Vote." They chose York because of its history and diverse population. In 2010, Kim Bracey became the city's first African-American mayor and its second woman mayor.
York's Geography and Weather
City Size and Location
The city of York covers about 5.3 square miles (13.8 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.
York's Climate
York has a climate with warm, humid summers and cold winters. It rains and snows fairly evenly throughout the year. The highest temperature ever recorded was 107°F (42°C) in 1901. The lowest was -21°F (-29°C) in 1925 and 1994. In 1972, York had a record 13.5 inches (343 mm) of rain in one day because of Hurricane Agnes.
| Climate data for York, Pennsylvania (1991–2020 normals) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 41.2 (5.1) |
45.3 (7.4) |
54.5 (12.5) |
67.2 (19.6) |
76.5 (24.7) |
83.9 (28.8) |
87.7 (30.9) |
86.0 (30.0) |
79.7 (26.5) |
68.2 (20.1) |
55.7 (13.2) |
44.9 (7.2) |
65.9 (18.8) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 31.2 (−0.4) |
34.3 (1.3) |
42.4 (5.8) |
53.6 (12.0) |
63.1 (17.3) |
71.2 (21.8) |
75.4 (24.1) |
73.8 (23.2) |
67.1 (19.5) |
55.6 (13.1) |
44.4 (6.9) |
35.5 (1.9) |
54.0 (12.2) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 21.3 (−5.9) |
23.2 (−4.9) |
30.2 (−1.0) |
40.0 (4.4) |
49.7 (9.8) |
58.5 (14.7) |
63.1 (17.3) |
61.5 (16.4) |
54.5 (12.5) |
43.0 (6.1) |
33.1 (0.6) |
26.1 (−3.3) |
42.0 (5.6) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 3.27 (83) |
2.81 (71) |
4.01 (102) |
3.62 (92) |
4.20 (107) |
4.29 (109) |
4.52 (115) |
3.96 (101) |
5.10 (130) |
3.94 (100) |
3.22 (82) |
3.52 (89) |
46.46 (1,180) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 8.5 (22) |
8.2 (21) |
3.9 (9.9) |
0.2 (0.51) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.5 (1.3) |
3.3 (8.4) |
24.6 (62) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 10.3 | 9.6 | 11.6 | 11.6 | 12.7 | 12.0 | 11.0 | 9.6 | 9.6 | 8.4 | 10.0 | 10.5 | 126.9 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 3.3 | 3.0 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 1.5 | 10.0 |
| Source: NOAA | |||||||||||||
People of York
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1790 | 2,096 | — | |
| 1800 | 2,503 | 19.4% | |
| 1810 | 2,847 | 13.7% | |
| 1820 | 3,107 | 9.1% | |
| 1830 | 4,216 | 35.7% | |
| 1840 | 4,779 | 13.4% | |
| 1850 | 6,803 | 42.4% | |
| 1860 | 8,603 | 26.5% | |
| 1870 | 11,003 | 27.9% | |
| 1880 | 13,940 | 26.7% | |
| 1890 | 20,793 | 49.2% | |
| 1900 | 33,708 | 62.1% | |
| 1910 | 44,750 | 32.8% | |
| 1920 | 47,512 | 6.2% | |
| 1930 | 55,254 | 16.3% | |
| 1940 | 56,712 | 2.6% | |
| 1950 | 59,953 | 5.7% | |
| 1960 | 54,504 | −9.1% | |
| 1970 | 50,008 | −8.2% | |
| 1980 | 44,619 | −10.8% | |
| 1990 | 42,192 | −5.4% | |
| 2000 | 40,862 | −3.2% | |
| 2010 | 43,718 | 7.0% | |
| 2020 | 44,800 | 2.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2020, York had a population of 44,800 people. About 38.1% of the people were Hispanic/Latino. About 32.4% were non-Hispanic White, and 23.1% were non-Hispanic Black.
York's Economy
York has been home to many important companies. Dentsply Sirona, a big company that makes dental equipment, used to have its main office here. It was started in New York but moved its main office to York in the 1900s.
York Barbell, located nearby, sells equipment for weight training. It is also home to the USA Weightlifting Hall of Fame. A large Harley-Davidson motorcycle factory is just outside York. It employs about half of all Harley's production workers.
Two major companies that make parts for hydro-power water turbines are also in the York area: Voith Hydro and American Hydro. They make very large parts in their factories. York International, a company that makes HVAC systems, has its headquarters near York.
The Stauffer Biscuit Company, which makes animal crackers since 1871, is also based near York. One of only four Starbucks coffee roasting factories in the world is located just north of York. BAE Systems Inc. has a factory near York that builds military tanks and equipment.
The P.H.Glatfelter paper company was based in York for many years. It moved its headquarters in 2020. Christmas Tree Hill, a popular store for home decor, started in York in 1971. Its main store is in a historic mansion.
Arts and Culture in York
Historic Architecture
York has many historic buildings. These include the 1741 Golden Plough Tavern and the 1751 General Horatio Gates House. Other notable places are the 1766 York Meetinghouse and the 1888 York Central Market. The 1907 Temple Beth Israel is also a famous building.
The city also has four national historic districts. These are special areas with many old and important buildings.
Fairs and Markets
York's culture shows its history as a farming and industrial center. The York State Fair is very old, dating back to 1765. It happens every year in late July. It has rides, games, contests, and hosts many famous music artists.
The fairgrounds, called the York Expo Center, also host the annual National Street Rod Association Street Rod Nationals East. This is a huge event for street rods in the Eastern U.S.
The Olde York Street Fair happens every year on Mothers Day. It has over 150 art, craft, and food vendors. Many thousands of people visit this fair.
Theater and Shows
York has several places for plays and performances. These include DreamWrights Center for Community Arts and The Belmont Theatre. The Appell Center for the Performing Arts hosts famous performers.
The historic Capitol Theatre shows many independent and foreign films. The Strand Studio also has live music, like jazz. DreamWrights Center for Community Arts recently added a second performance space.
York's Heritage
The York County History Center (YCHC) helps to save and share the history of York County. It has collections, historic sites, and museums. The YCHC looks after eight historical places. These show three hundred years of York County's history.
Some of these sites include the Worker's House (around 1875) and the Golden Plough Tavern (around 1741). The Barnett Bobb Log House (1812) and the Bonham House (around 1885) are also part of it. The YCHC also owns the Murals of York, which are paintings showing York's history.
Music Scene
The York Factory Whistle is known for being very loud without needing speakers. Every Christmas Eve, it plays Christmas music. It uses air pressure to make sounds like a slide whistle. The music can be heard many miles away. This tradition started a long time ago, possibly around 1925.
The alternative rock band Live is from York. There are also several community bands that perform in the area. York has many talented artists and musicians in different styles like funk, blues, jazz, and rock. Astro Lasso, an electronic indie pop band from York, has toured with other groups. The York chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society was founded in 1945.
Shopping Areas
The main shopping centers in the York area are York Galleria and West Manchester Town Center.
Sports in York
| Club | League | Sport | Venue | Capacity | Founded | Championships |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| York Revolution | ALPB | Baseball | WellSpan Park | 5,200 | 2007 | (3) 2010, 2011, 2017 |
| York Buccaneers | ABA | Basketball | Voni Grimes Gym | 200 | 2015 |
Baseball Fun
The York Revolution is York's professional baseball team. They play in the Atlantic League. After 36 years without a team, the Revolution started in 2007. The team's name comes from York's history during the American Revolutionary War. They play at WellSpan Park. The park has a statue of Brooks Robinson, a famous baseball player who once played for York.
WellSpan Park has the tallest wall in baseball. The left field wall is 37 feet, 8 inches tall. This is even taller than the Green Monster at Fenway Park!
Football Rivalry
The people of York (the White Rose City) and Lancaster (the Red Rose City) have a friendly rivalry. This comes from the old Wars of the Roses in England.
The War of the Roses All-Star Game is played in York every year around Thanksgiving. It features the best high school football players from York and Lancaster. Many famous football players have come from York, including Chris Doleman and Bruce Arians.
Other Sports
The Bob Hoffman Auditorium hosts many events for powerlifting and bodybuilding. York is also home to the "Plywood Hoods," a group of BMX freestylers. They became well-known in the 1980s and 1990s.
The York County Silver Bullets are a semiprofessional football team. "The Pogo Squad," a group of extreme pogo performers, is also from York. They perform at local events.
A new skatepark, "Reid Menzer Memorial Skatepark," was built in York. York US30 was a famous drag strip near York. It held big races in the 1960s. York will host the 2019 PDGA Amateur Disc Golf World Championships.
Education in York
York and the areas around it have 15 public school districts. Some of these are York City, Dallastown, and Eastern York. There are also private Christian schools like the Christian School of York.
York has several charter schools. These include Lincoln Charter School (started 2000) and York Academy Regional Charter School (started 2011).
The city is home to York College of Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1787 and offers college degrees. Penn State York also offers several degrees. Students can start at Penn State York and then finish their degree at the main Penn State University Park campus.
Other places for higher education in York include Harrisburg Area Community College's York Campus and the YTI Career Institute.
Media in York
York is special because it has two daily newspapers, even though it's not a huge city. The York Daily Record/Sunday News comes out every morning. The York Dispatch comes out Monday through Friday mornings.
York is part of a larger media market that includes Harrisburg and Lancaster. The Fox TV station WPMT 43 is based in York.
York also has a public cable TV station called WRCT (White Rose Community Television). The pop music radio station WSBA AM 910 was very popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Other radio stations in York include WVYC from York College, WARM FM, WQXA FM, and WOYK.
Here are some FM radio stations in York:
| Callsign | MHz | Details |
|---|---|---|
| WSOX | 96.1 | Oldies music |
| WYCR | 98.5 | "98.5 The Peak" |
| WVYC | 99.7 | Indie/College Rock, York College |
| WARM | 103.3 | "Warm 103" Adult Contemporary music |
| WQXA | 105.7 | "105.7 The X" Hard Rock music |
Getting Around York
Bus Services
York has public transportation through Rabbit Transit. They run many bus routes in the city and nearby areas. There is also a Rabbit EXPRESS bus that goes to Harrisburg on weekdays. Another route connects York to Timonium, Maryland.
The city also has a Greyhound/Trailways bus station. You can take buses from here to Harrisburg, Syracuse, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.
Train Travel
You can find frequent Amtrak train service in Lancaster, which is 24 miles east of York. These trains go to Philadelphia. In the past, York's train station had many trains going north to Harrisburg and south to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The old train station is now part of the York County Heritage Rail Trail.
Main Roads
U.S. Route 30
Interstate 83
Airports Near York
York does not have large commercial airports. The small York Airport (THV) is seven miles southwest. The closest major airports are Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) and Harrisburg International Airport (MDT).
Healthcare in York
York City has two hospitals: WellSpan York Hospital and UPMC Memorial Hospital.
WellSpan York Hospital was founded in 1880. It is a large hospital that can treat many different health issues. It has a special center for serious injuries and a unit for newborn babies. The hospital is also a teaching hospital.
Memorial Hospital opened in 1945. It is now part of the UPMC health system. In 2019, UPMC Memorial moved to a new building. These two health systems are the main ones in York.
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See also
In Spanish: York (Pensilvania) para niños
