Who were the first settlers in Lancaster?
Mia Smith
Published Mar 11, 2026
Who were the first settlers in Lancaster?
German immigrants, known as Pennsylvania Dutch (from “Deutsch” meaning German), were the first to settle in the area in 1709. At that time it was known as “Hickory Town”. The Honorable James Hamilton laid it out in building lots and out lots, and in May 10, 1729, it became the county seat.
What county is rohrerstown PA in?
Lancaster County
Rohrerstown/Counties
When did the Mennonites come to Lancaster County?
1710
The first Mennonites arrived in Lancaster County in 1710 when a group of ten families from the Palatinate of Switzerland and southern Germany settled on 10,000 acres that now includes Strasburg, Lampeter, Willow Street, and eastern corner of Pequea Township.
What is the oldest inland city in America?
Lancaster
Lancaster is the oldest inland city in the United States, and served as the capital city of Pennsylvania from 1799 until 1813, until it was replaced by Harrisburg.
Where in PA do the Amish live?
Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA, is home of the largest Amish community in the USA. The Amish community here is also the oldest such community in the country. The Amish arrived in Lancaster in the 1720’s, escaping persecution in Europe and seeking a better life for themselves and their families.
How many Amish are in Lancaster County?
The Pennsylvania Amish community in Lancaster County is the oldest and largest Amish community in the United States, numbering about 30,000. The population has more than doubled in size in the past 20 years.
Where do the Amish live?
The Amish have traditionally lived in places like Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (population 26,270), or Holmes County, Ohio (population 17,654). Now,they are spreading to other parts of the country, from New York to Missouri and Wyoming.
What is Lancaster known for?
Today, Lancaster is known as the home of the Amish, a religious group that eschews the hustle and bustle of modernity in favor of seclusion and simple living. Hearty Amish cooking and traditional crafts are popular with tourists, and the surrounding countryside is an antique lover’s paradise.