Introduction to York, Pennsylvania
York is situated in the south-central portion of Pennsylvania in York County. The city was a major factor in the Revolutionary history of the United States. The town is known as the "White Rose City," named after the Wars of the Roses. Unique architecture from the colonial era and huge gothic churches are situated in the city.
History
The town was established in 1741 by settlers arriving from Philadelphia. The name of the city was taken from York, England. In 1887 the area was incorporated as a city. York was a temporary capital during the American Revolutionary War for the Continental Congress. The Articles of Confederation were written and adopted in the town yet they were not ratified until a later time. During the Civil War, the York U.S. Army General Hospital on Penn Commons provided medical care for thousands of Union soldiers who were wounded during the battles of Antietam and Gettysburg.
Between 1865-1877 York was a prominent center for agriculture, however it gradually became home to industries such as steam engines, paper mills and railroad manufacturing. In 1940 the famous York Peppermint Pattie was created in the city. The Pfaltzgraff Company, well known for its variety of pottery, established their first factory in the York area in 1895 and have been making their products in the city until 2005.
Transportation
Rabbit Transit provides bus transportation for the city. Air transportation for the area is provided by the Baltimore-Washington International and the Harrisburg International Airports.
Attractions
- Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center features well known performers
- The historic York Fair takes place in September
- National Street Rod Association
- Olde York Street Fair
- The citizens of York and Lancaster often participate in competitions. The tradition began due to the Wars of the Roses
- Wolfgang Candy Company Factory Tour
- York Revolution is a minor league baseball team that plays their baseball games in the Atlantic League
- The York County Heritage Trust
- The York County Bi-Centennial Commission
- Weightlifting Hall of Fame
- Agricultural Museum
- Fire Museum
- Historical Society Museum
- Industrial Museum
- Harley-Davidson Motor Company Final Assembly Museum
- York Murals
Historic Sites
- Worker's House
- Barnett Bobb Log House
- Eastern Market House
- Golden Plough Tavern
- Bonham House
- Gates House & Plough Tavern
Higher Education
York College of Pennsylvania, York Technical Institute and York Business Institute are located in the city.