Introduction to New Holland, Pennsylvania
New Holland, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster county, is 12 miles E of Lancaster, Pennsylvania (center to center) and 49 miles W of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The town benefits from easy access to the nearby cities and towns with which it shares the Lancaster metropolitan area.
New Holland History
The area now known as New Holland was originally covered by virgin forests of oak, chestnut, walnut, and ash. In the 17th century, it became part of the land granted to William Penn. German immigrants arrived in the 1700s. According to records, John Diffenderfer made an application to purchase the land in 1728. The area was surveyed in 1735, and ultimately granted to him for settlement on March 22, 1758. However, the community of New Holland is considered to have been founded in 1728, when it was known as "Earltown." In 1750 the community was referred to as "New Design," after the real estate development company of Michael Diffendefer. The first post office was established in 1802 at the same time that the town was christened "New Holland."
New Holland and Nearby Attractions
- Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
- Lancaster Museum of Art
- Ephrata Cloister
- North Museum of Natural History & Science
- Susquehannock State Park
- Elmwood Park Zoo
Things To Do In New Holland
New Holland offers easy access to several places of historic interest including the Conrad Weiser Homestead, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Fulton Opera House, Cornwall Iron Furnace, and Daniel Boone Homestead. Various natural history and science exhibits are housed in the North Museum of Natural History & Science. The Lancaster Museum of Art, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Landis Valley Museum, and Heritage Map Museum showcase artifacts reflecting the region's historical and cultural background. Activities like hiking, horseback riding, group tenting, picnicking, golfing, swimming, fishing, and boating can be enjoyed at the French Creek State Park, Susquehannock State Park, and Marsh Creek State Park. The community of New Holland also hosts the Farmers Fair in October every year.
New Holland Transportation
Air transportation is available from Harrisburg International Airport.
New Holland Higher Education
Franklin & Marshall College, Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, and Millersville University are some of the nearby colleges.
