Lancaster, PA

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Introduction to Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster is located in the south-central portion of Pennsylvania, situated near the Conestoga River in Lancaster County. The city is part of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The Amish community plays a major role in the county with agriculture, various cottage industries and tourism. Mennonite communities are also located in the area. The region is known for livestock, apples, grains and dairy products. The city contains a wide variety of architectural styles represented in its numerous historic buildings.

History

The town was created by English shires. William Penn played a significant role in establishing the city in 1683. Lancaster was recognized as a townstead in 1730 by the governor of Pennsylvania. The vast majority of the land during this period was the property of Andrew Hamilton. The Continental Congress held meetings in Lancaster in 1777 and it was the capital of the state of Pennsylvania from 1799 to 1813.

John Wright named the town Lancaster in tribute to Lancaster, England where he earlier resided. The town became known as the "Red Rose City" due to its connection with Lancaster, England. The area became a chartered city in the year 1818. While the Revolutionary War was taking place, Lancaster served as the capital for the colonies and was a prominent munitions location.

Transportation

The Red Rose Transit Authority offers bus service for the community. Amtrak provides transportation at the Lancaster Train Station. The town is home to the Lancaster Airport.

Historic Landmarks

• Hamilton Watch Company
• Fulton Opera House
• Rock Ford Plantation
• W.W. Griest Building
• J.P. McCaskey High School
• Wheatland

Attractions

• Elizabethtown College includes a center which focuses on the Plain communities in the United States such as the Amish.
• The historic site, Ephrata Cloister features 18th century structures.
Franklin and Marshall College.
• National Watch and Clock Museum.
• Strasburg Railroad offers rides on restored passenger cars and travels through Amish country.
• Plain and Fancy Farm provides an excellent tour of the Amish community.
• Antiques Capital is a prominent location for antique dealers and features numerous attractions.
• Bird-in-Hand Village.
• Intercourse Merchants Association Group is a major business center for Amish and other residents and is very popular with tourists.
• Lititz is a historic village.
• Central Market.
• Demuth Museum.
• Lancaster Cultural History Museum.
• Lancaster Museum of Art.
• Fulton Theatre is a National Historic Landmark which features Broadway musicals and other productions.

Activities

• Amish Buggy Rides.
• Amish Village features a 1840's farm house.
Choo Choo Barn - Traintown U.S.A. features miniatures depicting Lancaster County and America.
• Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park.
• Landis Valley Museum is the biggest Dutch Living History Farm and Village in the United States.

High Points

Lancaster strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Pennsylvania):

Category	Trophy
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 1%
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. Peers)	Top 7%
Public Transportation Use (vs. State)	Top 9%
Affordability of Rents (vs. Peers)	Top 17%

Comparative Profile of Lancaster, PA

Comparing Lancaster to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Pennsylvania (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Racial Diversity
Children Under 5 Years Old
Male Share of the Population
Female Share of the Population
Senior Citizens
Well-Paid Single Men
Age of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
People Above Poverty
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Walking and Biking to Work
Public Transportation Use
Short Commute Times
Working at Home

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
People Living Alone
Affordability of Rents
Affordability of Property Taxes
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built

Lancaster Almanac

Lancaster Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Lancaster Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Lancaster Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Political Contributions (2004)

Money donated by Lancaster residents to parties and candidates for the 2004 elections.

by Political Party

by Presidential Candidate

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Lancaster, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Lancaster Hospitals

LANCASTER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
(Proprietary)
250 COLLEGE AVENUE
(717) 291-8123
Emergency Service: Yes

LANCASTER GENERAL HOSPITAL
(Voluntary non-profit - Other)
555 NORTH DUKE STREET
(717) 299-5511
Emergency Service: Yes

Wal-Mart in Lancaster

Lancaster High Schools (2004)

MCCASKEY HS-LEV II
717-291-6211
Serves 2,908 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 22.9

MANHEIM TWP HS
717-560-3097
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 1,660 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 15.5

CONESTOGA VALLEY SHS
717-397-5231
Serves 1,223 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 17.4

BUEHRLE ALTERNATIVE ED SCH
717-291-6232
Serves 162 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 18

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