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History of Columbia: 1795 William Wright Mansion

30 South 2nd Street 1795 In 1795, William Wright, financier of the first bridge across the Susquehanna and grandson of one of the founders of the community of Columbia, built a mansion next to his aunt, Susanna Wright’s home, the Wright’s Ferry Mansion. Both of these residences originally faced the Susquehanna River but as the…

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Hidden Treasures: Historic Poole Forge

The history of this beautiful property dates back to the earliest days of our country. It was the second of three forges along the Conestoga River in Caernarvon Township, and the fourth forge constructed in Lancaster County. The story of the owners of Poole Forge is an example of the interrelationships through the marriage of…

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See the Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess House as it looked in April 1883

123 North Prince Street Lancaster, PA April 1883 This was the home and land office of Andrew Ellicott on the southeast corner of North Prince Street and Marion Street at 123 North Prince Street. Ellicott was one of America’s most famous surveyors. He lived in Lancaster at 123 North Prince Street from 1801 to 1813.…

Proudly set atop a bluff, the Martic Forge Mansion contains approximately 4,700 square feet of floor space.

Southern Conestoga Valley: Smith-Coleman House

Smith-Coleman House Martic Forge Mansion 1164 Marticville Rd, Pequea, PA 17565 circa 1727-1815 The Smith-Coleman House is comparable to the Benedict Eshleman House in terms of age, social prestige, and size, but the two houses dif­fer in their interpretation of the Georgian style. This tour offers a rare opportuni­ty to compare how German and English…

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Gone, But Not Forgotten: Orchard Road Farm

Gone, But Not Forgotten: Orchard Road Farm In 2008, the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County created a calendar series entitled “Gone, but not Forgotten” as a reminder of some things that aren’t here anymore. The Orchard Road Farm was the featured image for November of that year and painted by J. Richard Shoemaker. Artist’s…

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Hidden Treasures: Caernarvon Historical Society building

The Caernarvon Historical Society building was built as a Presbyterian church in 1843 and used for that purpose for a short time, Other groups used the building after that, but it eventually fell into disrepair. The building was restored by the Caernarvon Historical Society in 1976. The structure we see today contains most of the…

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Hidden Treasures: Bowmansville Roller Mill

In the 1700 and 1800s, Lancaster County was an important milling center due to the availability of water power along our many streams. The first, and most active mills, were located along main roads. Actually, some of the first roads in the county were constructed to provide easy access to mills. The Bowmansville Roller Mill…

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Gone, But Not Forgotten: Harrisburg Pike Farm

Gone, But Not Forgotten: Harrisburg Pike Farm In 2008, the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County created a calendar series entitled “Gone, but not Forgotten” as a reminder of some things that aren’t here anymore. The Harrisburg Pike Farm was the featured image for October of that year and painted by J. Richard Shoemaker. Artist’s…

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History of Columbia: 1738 Wright’s Ferry Mansion

38 South 2nd Street 1738 Wright’s Ferry Mansion, initially owned by the English Quaker, Susanna Wright, was built in 1738 on the 100-acre tract of land that she had purchased in 1726 when the area was isolated wilderness and still part of Chester County. It would be another three years before Lancaster County was formed.…

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Lancaster Architecture 1719-1927: Queen Anne

Because Lancaster was founded nearly 300 years ago, it is often called a colonial town. However, less than ten percent of the city’s buildings that existed in 1800 now survive. Today, in both city and county, the overall visual character is one of contrast, with the numerous eclectic styles from the long Victorian period, lasting…