City Name :: Lancaster, PA
Population :: 55,531
Established :: 1742
Lancaster is the eighth largest city in Pennsylvania, behind Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, Bethlehem, and Scranton. The metropolitan area population stands at 494,486 making it the 101st largest metropolitan area in the US.
Located in the heart of “Pennsylvania Dutch Country,” Lancaster is a prime destination for visitors from around the world and benefits greatly from the tourist industry.
During the American Revolution, it was briefly the capital of the colonies for one day on September 27, 1777.
After the American Revolution, the city of Lancaster became an iron-foundry center. Two of the most common products needed by pioneers to settle the frontier were manufactured in Lancaster: the Conestoga wagon and the Pennsylvania long rifle. The Conestoga wagon was named after the Conestoga River, which runs through the city.
The first paved road in the United States was the former Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike, which makes up part of the present-day U.S. Route 30. Opened in 1795, the Turnpike connected the cities of Lancaster and Philadelphia, and was designed by a Scottish engineer named John Loudon MacAdam. Lancaster residents are known to use the word, "macadam", in lieu of pavement or asphalt.
In 1879, Franklin Winfield Woolworth opened his first successful "five and dime" store in the city of Lancaster.
After several failed attempts in other cities, Milton S. Hershey established the Lancaster Caramel Company in 1883 which quickly became an outstanding success establishing him as a candy maker, and setting the stage for future accomplishments.
The Fulton Opera House in the city was named for Lancaster native Robert Fulton, a renaissance man who created the first fully functional steamboat.
Armstrong World Industries, an international designer and manufacturer of floors, ceilings and cabinets, is headquartered in Lancaster.
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Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry
