National Register Listings in
York County, Pennsylvania

Ashley and Bailey Company Silk Mill Ashton-Hursh House Berkheimer, Henry and Elizabeth, Farm Billmeyer House Bixler, Michael and Magdealena Farmstead Bobb, Barnett, House Bridge 182+42, Northern Central Railway Bridge 5+92, Northern Central Railway Bridge 634, Northern Central Railway Bridge between East Manchester and Newberry Townships Bridge in Washington Township Brodbeck, S. B., Housing Burgholtshouse Chestnut Hill Clear Spring Mill Codorus Forge and Furnace Historic District Consumers Cigar Box Company Cookes House Coulsontown Cottages Historic District Deer Creek Bridge, Stewartstown Railroad Delta Historic District Delta Trestle Bridge, Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad Diamond Silk Mill Dill's Tavern Dritt Mansion East York Historic District Eichelberger High School Emig Mansion Fairmount Historic District Farmers Market Fissel's School Forry House Gates, Gen. Horatio, House, and Golden Plough Tavern Glen Rock Historic District Goldsboro Historic District Guinston United Presbyterian Church Hammersly-Strominger House Hanover Historic District Hanover Junction Railroad Station Howard Tunnel, Northern Central Railway Indian Steps Cabin Kise Mill Bridge Laurel-Rex Fire Company House McCalls Ferry Farm Melchinger, Englehart, House Muddy Creek Bridge, Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad Muddy Creek Forks Historic District Nace (Neas), George, House New Freedom Railroad Station, Northern Central Railway Nook, The Northwest York Historic District Payne's Folly Pettit's Ford Pierceville Run Agricultural Historic District Pleasureville Historic Historic Quay, Rev. Anderson B., House Railroad Borough Historic District Red Lion Borough Historic District Ridge Road Bridge, Stewartstown Railroad Schultz, Martin, House Scott Creek Bridge-North, Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad Shelly, William, School and Annex Shrewsbury Historic District Shrewsbury Railroad Station, Stewartstown Railroad Sinking Springs Farms South Road Bridge, Northern Central Railway Spring Grove Borough Historic District Springdale Historic District Stevens School Stewartstown Engine House, Stewartstown Railroad Stewartstown Railroad Station Stone Arch Road Bridge, Stewartstown Railroad Stoner, Samuel, Homestead Strickler Family Farmhouse Swigart's Mill United Cigar Manufacturing Company US Post Office-Hanover Valley Road Bridge, Stewartstown Railroad Wallace-Cross Mill Warrington Meetinghouse Wellsville Historic District West Side Sanitarium Whiteford, Hugh and Elizabeth Ross, House Willis House Wrightsville Historic District York Armory York Casket Company York Central Market York Dispatch Newspaper Offices York Historic District York Historic District (Boundary Increase) York Iron Company Mine York Meetinghouse
The first U.S. Navy submarine, the USS Holland, was built in Philadelphia in 1900.
York County, Pennsylvania has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1749. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Susquehannocks and the Shawnees. European settlers began to arrive in the early 18th century, primarily of German and Scots-Irish descent. York County was named after York, England, and quickly became an important trading and transportation hub due to its location along the Susquehanna River.

During the American Revolution, York County played a significant role. In 1777, the Continental Congress temporarily moved to York, seeking a safe haven from the British forces occupying Philadelphia. The Articles of Confederation, the precursor to the U.S. Constitution, were drafted in York and later ratified in 1781. York County was also the site of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, which marked a turning point in the Civil War. Many historic buildings and landmarks associated with these events can still be found in the county today.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, industrialization transformed York County. The region became known for its manufacturing, especially in the production of agricultural products, automobiles, and textiles. One of the county's most famous companies is the York Barbell Company, which revolutionized the fitness industry with its weightlifting equipment. Many notable figures, including President John F. Kennedy and boxer Muhammad Ali, visited the company's headquarters. Today, York County is still home to a diverse range of manufacturing and industrial companies.

In recent decades, York County has experienced growth and development while also preserving its historical character. The county boasts numerous historic sites and museums, such as the York County History Center and the Agricultural & Industrial Museum, which provide glimpses into its past. Moreover, the charming town of York is renowned for its colonial architecture and hosts popular events like the York Fair, America's first fair. With a mix of historical significance, natural beauty, and modern amenities, York County continues to be an appealing destination for visitors and residents alike.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of York County, Pennsylvania.

  • 1749 - York County is formed from part of Lancaster County.
  • 1751 - The town of York is officially laid out and becomes the county seat.
  • 1777 - York serves as the temporary capital of the United States while Philadelphia is occupied by the British during the American Revolution.
  • 1800s - The county experiences significant industrial growth, particularly in the iron and railroad industries.
  • 1863 - During the Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg takes place in neighboring Adams County, resulting in significant casualties in York County.
  • 1903 - The York Peppermint Pattie is invented in York, becoming a popular candy nationwide.
  • 1950s-1960s - York County experiences suburbanization and population growth, with many people moving to the area for employment opportunities.
  • 1973 - The Three Mile Island nuclear accident occurs just south of York County, leading to concerns about radiation exposure.
  • 2000s - The county continues to experience population growth and economic development, with a focus on healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism.