Lancaster, Pennsylvania City Guide
Lancaster has numerous historic attractions, and is home to galleries, museums, restaurants, and shopping venues like North Queen Street.
Introduction & History
 As the heart of Lancaster County (pronounced locally as ‘Lank-ih-stir’ County), the 2000 All-American city of Lancaster is teeming with activities, dining experiences, history and culture for any traveler. The city’s flavors are most noticeable when strolling central downtown streets; popping into local shops, furniture and art galleries or museums; sampling its scrumptious culinary, micro-brewing or wine delights; and soaking up the charm and hospitality of the locals, as well as viewing the variety of architecture within the 2nd largest historical district in America.
As the oldest inland city in America, Lancaster was originally settled by Swiss-German, Lutheran and Quaker immigrants, known as the “Pennsylvania Dutch”, because of their shared Germanic dialects. Settled in 1709, Lancaster was known as “Hickory Town”, but after its city plan was re-designed by James Hamilton, John Wright named "Lancaster" after his Lancaster, England homeland. Known locally as the “Red Rose City”, it served as an important munitions center, Hussien detention center and the September 27, 1777 national capital for the American Colonies during the Revolutionary War, and later as the capital of Pennsylvania from 1799-1813. It has been home to such notables as James Buchanan (15th US President), Thaddeus Stevens, Robert Fulton, and Franklin Winfield Woolworth (1st successful ‘five and dime’ store), and Jeopardy winner Brad Rutter, as well as The Hamilton Watch Company, and Armstrong Industries. Today Lancaster City is home to Franklin & Marshall College, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, Thaddeaus Steven College of Technology; offers four outstanding newspapers for its varied community; and maintains a strong tradition of community service and tolerance as witnessed by its varied places of worship.
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