THE HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY

YORK county was created by assembly, August 19, 1749, being separated from Lancaster county. Its boundary was described to be north and west by a line from the Susquehanna along the South mountain to the Maryland line, on the east by the Susquehanna, and on the south by the Maryland line. In 1800, its limits were curtailed by the separation of Adams county. Its present area is nine hundred square miles.

The first settlers in York county were intruders from Maryland. The Proprietaries of Pennsylvania would allow no settlements on any lands not thoroughly freed from Indian claims; but the Marylanders thought only of pushing their boundary northwards, and thus to take the lands in dispute between the Calverts and the Penns by force, if necessary, regardless of Indians or Pennsylvanians. The Indians complained to Governor Keith, and he, obtaining their consent, had five hundred acres of land surveyed for himself west of the Susquehanna, in April, 1722. The Marylanders were not thus to be intimidated, but kept pressing on their surveys. Governor Keith held a council with the Indians, at which it was determined to survey a large tract, for the use of Springett Penn, to be known as Springettsbury Manor. This survey, including 75,520 acres, was made June 19 and 20, 1722. The Indians cheerfully granted this privilege, for they were confident they could at any time obtain as much of this land as they might want for their own use. Springettsbury Manor was resurveyed in 1768. The boundaries of this survey differed from those of the first. This manor, like others, was not confiscated during the Revolution, but remained the private property of the Penns. This caused, in after years, tedious and bitter litigation, which continued down as late as 1830.

As the Marylanders showed no intention of respecting these surveys, it was resolved to permit settlements by Pennsylvanians. As the lands were not yet fully purchased from the Indians, licenses to settle only were granted-Samuel Blunston, of Wright’s Ferry, being commissioned to issue them. The first license so issued is dated January 24, 1733-‘4, and the last, October 31, 1737, after which period clear titles were given, the Indian right to the land having been extinguished by treaty.

Among the intruders from Maryland were Michael Tanner, Edward Parnell, Jeffrey Summerfield, and Paul Williams, who settled near the Indian town of Conejohela, in 1723. They were driven off by the Pennsylvania authorities in 1728, after repeated complaints from the Indians. In 1729, the first authorized settlement west of the river was made by John and James Hendricks. They intended to settle on the abandoned farm from which the squatters had been driven, but James Hendricks having accidentally shot his son while viewing these lands, they made their settlement about three miles north. Other families followed rapidly, and soon along Krentz creek, in Hellam township, and for some miles around, the settlers were quite numerous. In 1732, three years after the first settlement, the tax collector reported that there were four hundred persons west of the Susquehanna who paid taxes to Lancaster county, and acknowledged allegiance to Pennsylvania.

Thomas Cresap, in March, 1730, under a Maryland grant, settled upon the lands from which Tanner had been removed two years before. Cresap was a bold, reckless man, and was accompanied by others equally desperate. They proceeded to drive away the Indians, burning the cabins over their heads. Refugees from justice here sought safety from punishment, and joined Cresap’s lawless band Besides this settlement between Kreutz and Codorus creeks, which was composed mainly of Germans, an English colony was soon planted near the Pidgeon h9lls, being composed mostly of persons having Maryland titles. “The Barrens” was also settled about this time-comprising the lands now in Chanceford, Fawn, Peach Bottom, Hopewell, and Windsor townships. A number of families of the better class of peasantry from Scotland and Ireland settled these lands from 1731-‘5, and their descendants still retain them in many cases. The country around York was also settled between 1730 and 1735, but the land whereon that borough stands was not taken up before 1741.

The dissensions between the Penns and the Calverts as to the boundary line between Maryland and Pennsylvania, gave rise to many acts of violence in York county. Among the most notorious of the characters who figured in these struggles was Thomas Cresap, reference to whom has been made in connection with the sketch of Lancaster county.

Many of the settlers were not very conscientious, and turned all these troubles to their own advantage acknowledging or refusing allegiance to either Province as best suited their purposes. In February, 1757, the grand jury took such action as compelled all to obey the Royal order, by showing allegiance to the Province from which they had received the titles to their land.

The increase of settlers, now that quiet was restored, was large and constant. Roads were opened, mills erected, and new and permanent dwellings were built, as the land titles were settled, it was supposed, beyond dispute. A road was opened in 1740, from Wright’s ferry to the Monacacy road at the Maryland line, Thirty-five miles long, which became at once a highway of travel between Maryland and Virginia, and the eastern cities and towns, thus adding much to the prosperity of the growing colony.

In 1741, the Proprietaries ordered a town site to be laid off on Codorus creek, in Springettsbury manor. It was to be named Yorktown, and laid out after the plan of Philadelphia. In October, the part east of the creek was laid out into squares. The Proprietaries gave “tickets” to applicants for lots. These tickets gave a right to build, and promised a patent upon certain conditions. One of these was that the applicant build at his own cost a substantial dwelling house, sixteen feet square, with a brick or stone chimney, within one year from the time of his application. Seven shillings sterling yearly quit-rent was required from each lot-holder. If all the conditions were not complied with, the lot was transferred to another.

The first election in the new county was held in October, 1749. The only polling place was at a log tavern in Yorktown. The candidates for sheriff were Hans Hamilton, the favorite of the Irish of the western part of the county, and Richard McAllister, the candidate of the Germans. A quarrel occurred early in the afternoon, resulting in a riot between the two factions. The Irish were driven from the polls, and the Germans elected McAllister by an overwhelming majority. But Hamilton was a great favorite with the Governor, and was soon after duly commissioned. At the election in 1750, the rioting was renewed, Hamilton was again commissioned. Both parties appealed to the Assembly, the sheriff was called to the bar of that body, and publicly admonished to maintain better order in his county in the future.

The first court of quarter sessions met on the 31st day of October, 1749. John Day, Thomas Cox, John Wright, Jr., George Swope, Matthew Diehl, Hans Hamilton, Patrick Watson, and George Stevenson, being judges, by virtue of their commissions as his Majesty’s justices of the peace. The courts were held in private houses until 1756, when a court house was built in the public square of Yorktown. It was a two-story brick building, with four gables surmounted by a steeple.

The people of York county were now left undisturbed, until the defeat of General Braddock opened their settlements, as well as the few west of them, to the horrors of an Indian invasion. Meetings were held, and it being found that arms and ammunition were not to be had, the greatest excitement ensued. Many of the people fled to York, and some even to the east side of the Susquehanna, for safety. The great numbers of refugees from Cumberland county passing through the county, intensified the fears of the people, and increased the panic. Several companies of troops were raised and sent to the Cumberland valley. As these took with them all the arms in the county, the people were left utterly defenceless. Partial order was restored by the retreat of the Indians, after having driven from their homes one thousand families, in the latter part of November. The season of quiet did not endure long, however, for in August following, an Indian foray created a still greater panic. Marsh creek became the frontier, all the county beyond being deserted. All the able-bodied men in the county were enlisted into associated companies, and drilled daily. This raid and its consequent excitement was soon over, and quiet reigned until 1758, in April of which year another inroad was made into the western part of the county. But little damage was done, and the alarm was not as great as upon former occasions. Four companies of militia, with a number of teamsters, wagons, etc., were furnished by York county to the Forbes expedition which reduced Fort Duquesne.

Peace now prevailed until Pontiac’s war in 1763. York county improved rapidly during this period. A terrible storm followed the calm, when news of Pontiac’s outbreak was received. The reports greatly exaggerated the danger, and the excitement west of the Susquehanna never ran higher. The whole people feared immediate massacre, and, utterly dismayed, fled to the towns for shelter, Shippensburg, Carlisle, York, and Lancaster being crowded with the refugees. But when the tidings came that the forts at Bedford, Loyalhanna, and Pitt, had successfully resisted the onset of the savages, the panic was gradually allayed. From that day, the Indians have had no terrors for the people of York county.

Under the influence of peace and quiet, the settling of York went forward rapidly. More roads were opened, churches built, and the settlements assumed a more permanent character. In 1764, the town of Hanover was founded, being laid out in a wilderness by Richard McAllister. The people of the neighborhood laughed at McAllister’s “folly,” and one old lady jeeringly called the new town “Hickorytown.” From the trees that covered the site. The town, however, grew steadily, and while McAllister’s house still stands, it is surrounded now by a thriving town of twenty-five hundred should, instead of a dense hickory forest. Being located in “Digges’ choice.” It was long doubtful to which Province it would be assigned, here fugitives from justice made it a harbor, and “Rogue’s Resort” became its familiar appellation. This added rapidly to its population, but such accessions were not to be desired. Several robbers broke into McAllister’s store; he arrested them and took them to York. The sheriff refused to receive the prisoners, saying, “You of Hanover wish to be independent, therefore punish your villains yourselves.” McAllester took him at his word, and thereafter was himself judge and jury among the rough settlers of “Rogue’s Resort.”

On the 1st of July, 1775, a company of riflemen marched from York to join the Continental army before Boston. This was the first company that marched in arms against Great Britain from that part of the colonies west of the Hudson river. It was over one hundred strong, composed of excellent marksmen, and had as officers: Michael Doudel, captain; Henry Miller and John Dill, lieutenants; John Watson, ensign. They were enthusiastically received at Cambridge, and attached to Colonel Thompson’s rifle regiment. Lieutenant Miller, on the day after their arrival, nothing fatigued by the long and wearisome march, formed a plan to capture a British guard on Bunker Hill. The attempt was made; it failed, but several Britishers fell, and several were captured, without the gallant riflemen sustaining any loss. This company also participated with honor in the battles at Long Island and White Plains.

During the latter part of 1775, the men of the county, as recommended by Congress, were enrolled into militia companies. The companies were consolidated into five battalions. One company was chosen from each battalion to form a regiment of minute men. Of this regiment Richard McAllister was made colonel. This plan of organization succeeded admirably, there soon being nearly 4,000 men enrolled.

Early in 1776 four companies were sent to Colonel Irwin’s regiment, of which Thomas Hartley, of York, was lieutenant-colored. Three of the companies were commanded by David Grier, of York, Moses McClean, of Marsh creek, and Archibald McAllister, of Hanover; the name of the captain of the fourth is now unknown. The men were enlisted for fifteen months. In 1777 this regiment was commanded by Colonel Thomas Hartley, David Grier being lieutenant-colonel. It participated in several engagements, including the battle of Brandywine. So warlike was the spirit of the people at this time that officers from other counties came into York county to enlist their companies. In May, a rifle company marched to Philadelphia and joined Colonel Mile’s regiment. William McPherson was captain of this company. On the 4th of July, at a convention of representatives of the associators of Pennsylvania, at Lancaster, James Ewing, of this county, was elected second brigadier-general of the militia of Pennsylvania.

The five battalions of militia from York county marched to New Jersey in July, 1776. Here a camp was formed, and enough men drawn by lot to fill two battalions in the Flying Camp. The first battalion was commanded by Colonel Michael Swope, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Stevenson, and Major William Bailey. There were eight companies, commanded by Captains Michael Smyser, Gerhart Graeff, Jacob Dritt, Christian Stake, John McDonald, John Ewing, William Nelson, and Williams. The second battalion’s officers were: Colonel Richard McAllister, Lieutenant-Colonel David Kennedy, and Major John Clark. The captains were Nicholas Bittinger, McCarter, McCoskey, Laird, Wilson and Paxton.

As soon as completed, although not yet under discipline, the Flying Camp was sent to join Washington, and on the 27th of August, but a few weeks after they left their homes, the men fought gallantly on Long Island. The York county companies lost heavily. Of Graeff’s company, only eighteen reported after the battle, the rest being killed, wounded, or captured. At Fort Washington, on the 16th of November, Dritt’s and McCarter’s companies lost heavily-McCarter was mortally wounded, and Ensign Barnitz, of Dritt’s company, was wounded in both legs. After fifteen months’ imprisonment he was exchanged, and carried home on a litter. Thirty years later he had one leg amputated from the effects of his wound. Colonel Swope, with nearly all his officers and men, fell into the enemy’s hands, and were crowded into the loathsome prisons of New York. Throughout the retreat across New Jersey, that followed these disasters, Miller’s York company (formerly Doudel’s) earned many thanks from the commanding officer for their efficient services in aiding to check the enemy and protect the rear of the shattered patriot force.

From the close of the Revolution until 1800, the people suffered from hard times, brought about partly by the depreciation of the paper money, and partly by the waste of life and property in the long struggle. National, State, and local debts being heavy, taxes were by no means light, and the people were everywhere more or less irritated by the visits of the tax-gatherer. A riot occurred at York, in November, 1786, to prevent the sale of a cow for delinquent taxes. The leaders in the affair were heavily fined, but the fines were afterwards remitted.

In 1797 and 1798 occurred the “Dady” imposture, and interesting account of which is given by Judge Henry.

In 1800, after a long and bitter controversy, the western part of the county was cut off and erected into a new county, named Adams. The old quarrel between the Irish and the Germans, and the political difference between the two sections, led to the separation.

1803 is memorable for a Negro conspiracy to burn the county seat. Incensed by the punishment of a Negro woman for an attempted poisoning, the blacks fired the town several times. At length one carried a pan of coals at midday to her master’s barn. She was seen, and confessed the plot. It was found that she had mistaken twelve o’clock noon for twelve o’clock midnight, the hour fixed upon. A number of the plotters were convicted and sent to prison. They were mostly slaves-of whom there were many owned in York before the abolition of slavery in the State.

In the war of 1812-’14, York county was not specially called upon for troops until the summer of 1814, during the British attack on the Maryland coast. A number of her sons served in various commands, however, in the campaigns in Canada. When the militia were ordered to the defence of Baltimore, all the companies in the county that were armed and equipped marched at once. The others were furnished arms as rapidly as possible, and sent forward, but they reached the city too late to assist in its defence. The “York Volunteers,” under Captain Michael H. Spangler, a fine company of young men, nearly one hundred strong, marched to Baltimore, and having been attached to the Fifth Maryland, fought gallantly at North Point. Two were captured, and several wounded. Their services were mentioned in the official dispatches with the highest compliments. Two companies from Hanover and vicinity, under Captains Frederick Mezger and John Bair, also reached Baltimore in season to participate in the fight, and bore themselves right gallantly.

It may not be out of place, at this point, to state that the first locomotive made in the united States was built in the early part of 1830, in York, by Mr. Phieas Davis, and took the premium offered by the Baltimore and Ohio railroad “to the constructor of the locomotive which would draw fifteen tons, gross weight, fifteen miles an hour.” This engine, a curiosity at this time, was the model for those built after it for three or four years.

The firing on Fort Sumter, in April, 1861, caused an outburst of indignant feeling, but the Baltimore riots subsequent, increased the excitement tenfold. Rumors of an attack from the Baltimore “roughs” kept the people of York, Hanover, and the smaller towns along the border in a ferment, and preparations for defence were promptly made. Troops from Harrisburg were sent towards Baltimore, and on the Saturday following telegraphic orders were received for the York companies to go to their assistance. This was the beginning of that four years’ struggle for the Union in which York county contributed her full share.

General Lee’s first invasion of Maryland caused great excitement and dread among the people. Home guards were formed, and arrangements made to remove horses, cattle, and valuables to places of safety. The Confederate retreat after the battle of Antietam brought quiet to the southern border, but in the ensuing summer it was destined to suffer the evils of actual invasion. Early in June, Lee crossed the Potomac, and at once the wildest excitement arose. Merchants shipped their goods to eastern cities; banks depleted their vaults; farmers drove their horses and cattle across the Susquehanna; and every road was crowded with refugees seeking safety for themselves and property. A committee of safety was appointed at York, June 15th. They made every effort to raise companies, but as the men were to be sent to Harrisburg for the defence of the State, only a few volunteered, as their own homes were in immediate danger. One company of six months’ men, under Captain Seipe, was sent to Camp Curtin. Numberous companies of home guards were formed in various parts of the county. Hanover sent one company of sixty men, raised in forty-eight hours, to Harrisburg. A citizens company of horsemen was formed and did good service as scouts. Major Haller, of the regular army, was entrusted with the defence of York. The places of business were closed at 6 p.m., and on June 26th, at noon, meetings were held, and companies formed and drilled. It was thought that at the worst, but a force of cavalry raiders would visit York county; but on the 26th of June, information was received that large forces of cavalry, artillery, and infantry were approaching Gettysburg. The came night came news of the occupation of that town, and the retreat of the small militia force guarding there. Saturday, the 30th, all places of business were closed, and York presented a gloomy appearance, notwithstanding the crowds on the streets. At 3 p.m., the enemy was reported at Abbottstown. Major Haller ordered out his little force of defenders, consisting of the convalescents of the United States hospital, the hospital guards, a number of the 87th Regiment, the Philadelphia city troop, an Adams county cavalry company, and some citizens of the borough, in all about three hundred and fifty men. Upon receiving reports of the strong force of the enemy, this body fell back on Wrightsville, leaving York defencesless. A. B. Farquhar, a citizen of the borough, had entered the rebel lines, and was authorized by General Gordon, commanding the advance, to assure the borough authorities that if no resistance was offered, private property and unarmed citizens would be respected.

The committee of safety then adopted the following: “Resolved, That, finding our borough defenceless, we request the chief burgess to surrender the town peaceably, and to obtain for us the assurance that the persons of citizens and private property will be respected; the chief burgess to be accompanied by such of the committee as may think proper to join him.” Chief burgess David Small, Colonel George Hay, W. Latimer Small, and Thomas White, Esquires, accompanied Mr. Farquahar to the rebel camp on Saturday evening. They assured General Gordon that they had endeavored to defend the town, but had failed, and asked the safety of citizens and property. General Gordon gave them every assurance of the protection they asked. Next morning, at 10 o’clock, the town was occupied; the large American flag flying in Centre square was taken down, and carried away by the enemy. The fair grounds and government hospital were occupied, and artillery planted to command the town. The court house was made the head-quarters of General Early, Gordon’s brigade passing on towards Wrightsville. Here a slight skirmish occurred. The Pennsylvania and New York militia fell back over the river, burning the bridge. No damage was done at Wrightsville beyond the burning of several houses which took fire from the bridge. The rebels destroyed the railroad bridges above and below York. Requisitions were made on the people of York for 165 barrels flour, 3,500 pounds sugar, 1,650 pounds coffee, 300 gallons molasses, 1,200 pounds salt, 32,000 pounds fresh beef, all to be delivered at the market house by 4 o’clock p.m. Demands were also made for $100,000 in money, 1,000 hats, 1,000 pairs of socks, 2,000 pairs shoes or boots. The citizens held a meeting, and endeavored to fill the requisition. Goods and money to the amount of $35,000 were collected, with which General Early expressed himself satisfied.

No damage was done in the town until Monday evening, when General Early personally led a detachment to the depot to destroy the railroad property. Seeing that their destruction would result in great loss of private property, he desisted; but destroyed some cars, by fire, and tore up the track, switches, etc. The same evening, Gordon’s brigade returned, passed through town, and encamped a few miles west. On Tuesday morning, at an early hour, the remaining troops followed, and York was freed from her captors. Although a general gloom overspread the community during the occupancy, no private citizens were molested; and with the exception of the ransacking of a few deserted houses in the country, no damage was done. Horses and cattle were taken by the enemy. On their retreat, however, in a few cases, stolen horses were returned to their owners on identification. The number of horses taken from the county by the enemy has been estimated as high as two thousand. The corps hastened to Gettysburg, engaged in the battle, and lost heavily.

On Tuesday, June 30th, a cavalry skirmish took place at Hanover. General Kilpatrick, with his cavalry division, was in search of Stuart’s rebel raiders, and was passing through Hanover, each regiment halting in the streets to receive food from the people of the town. The 18th Pennsylvania was the rear-guard, and while halting in the streets, many of the men being dismounted, was suddenly attacked by Stuart’s men, who had been moving on a road parallel to that over which Kilpatrick was passing. The 18th was thrown into disorder, and driven from the town before it could re-form. In the open country, the regiment rallied, and with the 5th New York, made a gallant counter charge, driving the rebels back to their artillery, which was forthwith opened. The roar of the guns brought Kilpatrick back to the rescue, with the 1st Vermont, 1st Virginia, and 5th Michigan. He formed his line of battle on the hills north of the town, while the enemy held the heights to the south. The 18th occupied the town, and barricaded the streets. Artillery firing and skirmishing were kept up until dusk, when Stuart retreated. This skirmish prevented Stuart from joining Lee until after the battle of Gettysburg, much to the loss of their cause. When the rebels charged into the town, the streets and public squares were crowded with citizens, women, and children, yet fortunately none were injured. The Union loss in the fight was one adjutant, three sergeants, one corporal, and six privates killed, and forty-two wounded, several of whom afterwards died of their wounds. The loss of the rebels was never fully ascertained, but was at least as large as the Union loss. The fight over, the wounded were at once placed in an hospital opened in a large building known as Pleasant Hill hotel. The ladies furnished bedding, food, and acted as nurses. Sick and wounded soldiers from the army at Gettysburg sought an asylum in this hospital, and it soon contained over one hundred and fifty inmates. Strenuous efforts were made to have the government establish the hospital as a permanent one, but it was ordered to be closed in August, and the patients sent elsewhere.

Early in 1862, the 6th New York cavalry were stationed at York to perfect the men in drilling. A barracks and stables were erected on the public common for their use. The regiment was soon ordered to the front, and the buildings altered and converted into an extensive general hospital, which was maintained until the close of the war. There were usually over one thousand patients present, sick and wounded, and owing to the healthful location and great care exercised, the death rate was small, not over two hundred deaths occurring among the thousands treated. Almost all who died were buried in a lot in Prospect Hill cemetery. A few years ago these bodies were removed to a central lot, and a handsome bronze monument erected to their memory. The ladies of York had formed a relief society, early in the war, and had, by means of fairs, etc., raised a large fund to alleviate the distresses of the sick and wounded. Several thousand dollars of this fund remained unexpended at he close of the war; this was appropriated to the purchase of the monument referred to.

The surface of the country is broken and hilly, though nowhere mountainous. Many irregular spurs of the South mountain lie near the north-western boundary, the Conewago hills cross the county near York Haven, the Slate hills occupy the south-eastern corner, while the Pigeon hills extend from the south-eastern part of the county across the line into Adams county. Crossing the center from north-east to south-west, is a strip of limestone, the rich farming lands of which have been brought to the highest degree of cultivation by the German farmers and their descendants. The lands along the southern borders, and especially the south-eastern part, were once known as the “York Barrens,” from the fact that when settled they were found entirely free from timber, the natives having cleared it with fire to improve their hunting ground. The Codorus creek drains the centre of the county, the Conewago the northern portion, and the Muddy creek the south-eastern part. These streams, with their numerous branches, and the Susquehanna river flowing more than fifty miles along the eastern border, make the county finely watered, and the country being hilly, mill-sites are numerous.

The principal occupation of the people is agriculture. The farmers are generally prosperous, having convenient markets for the sale of their grain and produce, nearly all parts of the county being accessible by railroad. Deposits of iron ore exist in many parts of the county. About forty years ago there were several charcoal furnaces in blast; but all have been abandoned. There is an anthracite furnace at Wrightsville, recently erected, and quite prosperous. Much iron ore is mined, and taken to furnaces in other counties. Near Hanover Junction is found an ore known as “steel ore,” which, mixed with other ore in certain proportions, produces most excellent steel. In the Slate hills, in the south-eastern part of the county, are mined large quantities of the best quality of roofing slate. It is widely known as Peach Bottom slate. Distilleries were formerly very numerous, but there are now only a few in the county. Tanning is a business of considerable importance, though it, too, has declined.

YORK, the county seat, is on the banks of Codorus creek, eleven miles from the Susquehanna. Rich and thriving, it is surrounded by a fertile region. The court house, a brick edifice, with massive granite front, in the form of a Grecian temple, stands near the center of the town. It was erected in 1841-‘2, at a cost of $150,000. The county prison, of sandstone, resembling a Norman castle, and the county hospital and almshouse, both magnificent buildings, stand on the county farm adjoining the town. The town was founded in 1741; incorporated as a borough in 1787. Turnpikes radiate to Baltimore, to Gettysburg, to Wrightsville, to Harrisburg, and to Dallastown; railroads to Baltimore, Harrisburg, Wrightsville, Peach Bottom, and Hanover. The history of the borough has been interwoven with that of the county in the preceding pages.

HANOVER is situated in the extreme south-western the Adams county line, on the headlands between the sources of the Codorus and the Conewago. The town was founded in 1764, and the borough incorporated in 1815. Railroads run to the Northern Central at Hanover Junction, to Gettysburg, to Littlestown and Frederick, and to York. The population of the town and neighborhood is of German descent, but the English language is now generally spoken.

WRIGHTSVILLE is on the west bank of the Susquehanna, opposite Columbia, with which it is connected by a bridge. The town occupies an elevated site, and commands an extensive view. The place was long known as Wright's Ferry, but the building of the bridge, in 1834, caused a change of name. The borough was incorporated in 1834.

SHREWSBURY borough is on the York and Baltimore turnpike, thirteen miles south of York, an done from Railroad borough or Shrewsbury station on the Northern Central railway. It was incorporated in 1834. The place was formerly known as Strasburg, and was a thriving village in the days of turnpike travel.

The remaining incorporated towns are: MANCHESTER, formerly Liverpool laid out about 1815, and erected into a borough, March 9, 1844, when its name was changed. DILLSBURG, the southern terminus of the Dillsburg and Mechanicsburg railroad, was incorporated April 9, 1833. LEWISBERRY, in the “Red Lands,” celebrated for its minor manufactures, was incorporated April 2, 1832. DALLASTOWN, on the peach Bottom narrow gauge railroad; LOGANSVILLE, seven miles south of York; RANKLINTOWN, laid out in 1815; two miles south of Dillsburg; NEW FREEDOM, GLEN ROCK, and GOLDSBORO’, on the Northern Central railroad; JEFFERSON, laid out in 1811, are thriving villages.

Source: The History of Pennsylvania By William H. Egle, M.D., M.A. Published 1883

Author: THE HISTORY OF YORK COUTNY BY M. O. SMITH, HANOVER.

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