Events in York County
York County is your ultimate destination for exciting events all year long!
York County PA's History
Journey through the rich, diverse history of York County, Pennsylvania.
From our early days as a colonial settlement to our pivotal role in American history, York County was at the heart of events that shaped our nation. Below, you’ll see evidence of resilience, innovation, and transformation as we spotlight key events, notable figures, and landmarks that have defined our unique region.
1605: Susquehannock Tribe Settles in the Area
The Susquehannock Tribe settles near the Susquehanna River in what will later be considered Southeast York County. Learn about the history of Indigenous people in York County at the Indian Steps Museum.
1749: York County is Established
York County is officially founded, marking a new chapter in Pennsylvania's colonial history. The county was named after the Duke of York, an early supporter of the Penn Family.
1777: Articles of Confederation and the Nation's First Thanksgiving
York hosts the Continental Congress, where the Articles of Confederation are adopted, and the first national Thanksgiving is declared. The Articles of Confederation were adopted on November 15, 1777. The reconstructed Colonial Courthouse is open for guided tours and tells the story of the Second Continental Congress as they drafted the colonies' first constitution.
1794: John Dill Constructs Dills Tavern
John Dill build Dills Tavern, a key stop for travelers in York County. Today, visitors can explore Dills Tavern, the Eichelberger Distillery, and their surrounding outbuildings in Dillsburg, PA, as part of a guided experience provided by the Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society (NYCHAPS).
1800: Leonard Eichelberger Expands Dills Tavern
Leonard Eichelberger acquires and expands the tavern, adding the Eichelberger Distillery and enhancing its role as a prominent social and economic hub in the region. Set up a tasting at the Distillery through the Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society!
1842: Goodridge Buys Rail Cars for Freedom
Abolitionist William C. Goodridge purchases rail cars, using them to help enslaved individuals escape to freedom. Learn more about the bravery and determination exemplified by him at the Goodridge Freedom Center and Underground Railroad Museum.
1848: Glen Rock Carolers Begin Their Tradition
The Glen Rock Carolers start singing Christmas carols from midnight to morning, a tradition that continues to this day.
1863: The Burning of the Bridge at Wrightsville
Union forces burn Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge to prevent Confederate soldiers from taking Lancaster and turned the war to Gettysburg. The Burning of the Bridge Diorama tells the story of that fateful night.
1863: The Battle of Hanover
The Battle of Hanover took place on June 30, 1863, in Hanover, PA, located in Southwest York County. This was part of the Gettysburg Campaign. Today, "The Picket," an impressive bronze statue of a mounted cavalryman created by Cyrus E. Dallin, commemorates the battle.
1863: Lincoln's Journey to the Gettysburg Address
President Abraham Lincoln travels through York County on the Northern Central Railway to deliver his iconic Gettysburg Address. Today, visitors can still ride the historic railway in train cars from throughout history.
1871: First Animal Crackers Made in York County
Stauffer's Biscuit Company introduces America's first animal crackers, creating a beloved snack that remains a fan-favorite still to this day.
1898: "Madame Butterfly"
John Luther Long publishes Madame Butterfly, a story that later becomes a famed opera, adding to Hanover's literary legacy.
1900s: Underground Railroad Hideaway Revealed
Renovations at 123 East Philadelphia Street in York uncover a hand-dug hideaway under the kitchen. Successful Black businessman William C. Goodridge is believed to have hidden freedom seekers there as part of the Underground Railroad. The house now serves as the Goodridge Freedom Center and Underground Railroad Museum.
1901: Pretzel Paradise in Hanover
Snyder's of Hanover is founded, and becomes known for producing a variety of delicious snacks, especially pretzels.
1911: Warehime-Myers Mansion is Built
The Warehime-Myers Mansion begins construction as the residence of Clinton N. Myers of Hanover Shoe Company. Very little in the structure has changed over the years, giving the tour-goers a glimpse into the past.
1930s: The York Plan
The York Plan is developed as a cooperative manufacturing strategy to support WWII efforts, showcasing York's industrial ingenuity.
1940: The York Peppermint Pattie
An easy fan-favorite-- the York Peppermint Pattie was first produced in York County by Henry Kessler at his York Cone Company.
1948: Haines Shoe House is Built
The whimsical Haines Shoe House is constructed along Route 30 as a unique advertising attraction. The Shoe House has gone through many changes over the years, and now exists as a beautiful AirBNB that visitors can enjoy.
1955: Hall of Famer Debuts in York
Future MLB Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson begins his professional baseball career with the York White Roses, which will later be known as the York Revolution.
2021: YoCo Local Wins Bronze
York County's Hali Flickinger earns two bronze medals at the Tokyo Olympics in the 200m butterfly and 400m individual medley.
2024: Happy 275th Birthday!
York County celebrates its 275th Birthday!
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History in York County
