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YORK COUNTY HERITAGE

York County's Heritage Sites:

Civil War Bridge Piers
(Designated July 6, 2010)

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Civil War Bridges Heritage Site Photo

This is the bridge connecting York and Lancaster Counties just north of the Route 462 Bridge. In its time, the bridge could accommodate vehicles, foot traffic and railroad traffic. On June 28, 1863, Confederate soldiers were advancing toward York. The bridge was burned, preventing the Confederates' crossing of the River. This was a strategic act of major importance in the Civil War.

John and Kathryn Zimmerman Center for Heritage
at Historic Pleasant Garden
(Designated July 6, 2010)

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John & Kathryn Zimmerman Heritage Center Photo

This is an 18th century stone home which serves as the headquarters of the Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Region and hose of the Visions of the Susquehanna River Art Collection. The home was rennovated and restored to its current condition by John and Kathryn Zimmerman. Home dates back to the late 1730s or early 1740s.

Police Heritage Museum
(Designated July 6, 2010)

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Police Heritage Museum Logo

Museum houses law enforcement equipment dating back to 1860; as well equipment and badges from preexisting police departments. The gallows from the old York County Prison are also on display. It is unique in that there are not many police museums in existence.

Wrightsville Lime Kilns
(Designated July 6, 2010)

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Wrightsville Lime Kilns Photo

The kilns were used to make lime from limestone in the mid 1800s. These are fine examples of vertical lime kilns. There were at one time several companies producing lime in Wrightsville.

York Farmers' Market House
(Designated July 6, 2010)

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York City's Farmers' Market House Photo

Established in 1866, this is the first enclosed market house structure prior to the elimination of Centre Square market sheds. The style of the structure emulates the Smyser-Royer facility on North Street in York. Some vendors in the Market have been there for generations.

The Old Line Museum
(Designated February 2008)

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Photo - Old Line Museum

Located in Delta Borough, the Old Line Museum was founded in the 1970s in order to preserve Delta’s unique story.

Interpretation at the site represents the theme of natural wonders as it relates to the importance of Peach Bottom slate on the community’s history. The theme of freedom is also demonstrated with the emphasis on the settlement of Welsh immigrants.

As a repository for artifacts related to the Peach Bottom Slate Industry, the Scots-Irish pioneers and Welsh settlement, the Old Line Museum in Delta Borough is a fine example of the cultural heritage of York County.

Richard M. Nixon County Park Nature Center
(Designated February 2008)

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Photo - Richard Nixon County Park, Nature Center

Located in Springfield Township, the nature center is located within the 171 acre Richard M. Nixon County Park. This Park provides an environmental education experience highlighting the diverse habitats and our County’s rich biodiversity.

Interpretation at the site features natural wonders as the displays and programming focus on all areas of natural history. Bounty is also featured in the context of natural bounty, i.e., the products, services and foods local natural habitats supply.

As part of the York County Parks system that celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, Richard M. Nixon County Park Nature Center is a fine example of the County’s natural heritage.

The York County Heritage Trust - Colonial Complex
Featuring: General Horatio Gates House, Golden Plough Tavern,
Barnett Bobb Log House and the Colonial Court House
(Designated February 2008)

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Photo - Colonial Courthouse

Located in York City, the Colonial Complex emphasizes early American history; most notably, the Colonial Courthouse was where the Articles of the Confederation were adopted.

Interpretation at the site represents the theme of freedom as the Second Continental Congress met in York after fleeing Philadelphia as the founders were said to be committing treasonous acts. The “treasonous act” was the completion of the Articles of the Confederation.

The Colonial Complex is a fine example of the heritage of York County, playing an important role in not only in our County’s history but in the history of our Nation.

Apollo County Park
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - Apollo County Park

Located in Chanceford Township, the park is comprised of 340 acres of woodlands. The Mason Dixon Trail traverses this pristine park, which is adjacent to the Susquehanna River. Numerous multi-use, non-motorized trails, hunting and fishing are offered at this park. Heritage themes: Natural Wonders and Towns and Countryside.

Dill Tavern
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - Dill Tavern

Located in Dillsburg Borough, this is a prime example of the late 18th century tavern building. It provided both a business and a dwelling for the Dill and later Eichelberger families. It had extensive farming and whiskey distilling operations. It is an historical property of the Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society. Heritage themes: Towns and Countryside and Freedom.

Hanover Farmer's Market House
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - Hanover Farmer's Market

Located in Hanover Borough, this market operates year round, every Saturday from 6AM to noon. The original market house dates back to 1815 with the current location in operation since 1933. Managed by the Borough of Hanover, it is known for the sale of traditional farm foods, produce, baked goods, meats and crafts of York and Adams County locals. Heritage themes: Bounty and Towns and Countryside.

Hanover Fire Museum
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - Hanover Fire Museum

Located in Hanover Borough, the Fire Museum was established in 1980 and is currently housed in the Wirt Park Fire Station. On display is firefighting memorabilia from the 1880's to the present. Unique features of this site include an 1830 American Hydraulic Crank Type Rotary Pump, an 1856 Baltimore City hand piston pumper and a working gamewell alarm panel. Heritage themes: Ingenuity and Towns and Countryside.

Hanover Junction Train Station
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - Hanover Junction Train Station

Located in North Codorus Township, this train station was built in 1851-1852 by the Hanover Branch Railroad and the Northern Central Railroad. During the Civil War it was raided by Confederate troops and President Lincoln visited the station. A Civil War museum is located within the station and annual reenactments are held. Four original Civil War cannons are on site. The Station is along the Heritage Rail Trail County Park. The site is supported by the Friends of the Heritage Rail Trail Corridor. Heritage themes: Freedom and Towns and Countryside.

Heritage Rail Trail County Park
Featuring: Historic bridges in New Freedom, Glen Rock, Seven Valleys,
Larue and the Howard Tunnel
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - Howard Tunnel on the Rail Trail

This 21 mile linear park stretches from York City south into Maryland. Interpretation along the way educates visitors to the history of the trail corridor. Heritage themes: Ingenuity and Towns and Countryside.

Highpoint Scenic Vista and Recreation Area
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - Highpoint County Park

Located in Lower Windsor Township, this is the newest County park. Featuring a 360 degree view of the Susquehanna River, this 79 acre park is listed as part of the Susquehanna Heritage Park concept. The Mason Dixon trail travels through Highpoint. Heritage themes: Freedom and Towns and Countryside.

John C. Rudy County Park
Featuring: The Bixler Farmstead
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - Rudy Park

Located in East Manchester Township, this 150 acre park was the site of the John Bixler farmstead (circa 1737) which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. The park features a regional sports complex and the largest offleash dog park area east of the Mississippi. A variety of events occur at the park each year, including the Balloon Fest. Heritage themes: Bounty and Towns and Countryside.

Maple Shade Barn
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - Maple Shade Barn

Located in Dillsburg, is the last standing barn in the Borough and headquarters of the Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society. It is a prime example of a PA German bank barn dating back to the Mumper family who settled in the area in the 1700s. In addition to a large meeting room, kitchen facilities, restrooms and a gift shop, the Barn has been improved to contain a climate controlled archives, meeting all PHMC specifications, to house the collections and research area for the historical society. Heritage themes: Bounty and Towns and Countryside.

New Freedom Train Station
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - New Freedom Train Station

Located in New Freedom Borough, is adjacent to the Heritage Rail Trail County Park. Constructed in the 1860's, it features a 1940s railroad museum and two cabooses. Supported by the Friends of the Heritage Rail Trail Corridor, a variety of events are held there annually. Heritage themes: Ingenuity and Towns and Countryside.

P. Joseph Raab County Park
Featuring: The York Iron Company Mine
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - Raab County Park

Located in North Codorus Township, this 93-acre park was the site of the former York Iron Company Mine, in operation from 18501880. This largely undeveloped park features hiking trails and caves known for four species of bats. The Parks’ Archaeology Week is also held there. Heritage themes: Ingenuity and Natural Wonders.

Prospect Hill Cemetery
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - Prospect Hill Cemetery

Located in North York Borough and Manchester Township, this 170 acre unique victorian cemetery features numerous structures built in the early 1900s with architectural significance. As part of the rural cemetery movement, it is the final resting place of Declaration of Independence signer Phillip Livingston, Civil War Union Corps Commander William Buell Franklin and industrialist Arthur Briggs Farquhar. Also features Soliders Circle for burial of Union soldiers who died at a union field hospital in York. Heritage themes: Freedom and Ingenuity.

Richard M Nixon County Park
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - Nixon County Park

Located in Springfield Township, this 171-acre park features PA natural history in woodlands and stream habitats. Visitors can use 8 trails and can observe stream, pond and forest habitats. Heritage themes: Natural Wonders and Towns and Countryside.

Rocky Ridge County Park
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - Rocky Ridge County Park

Located in Hellam and Springettsbury Townships, this 750 acre park was the first York County Park. The mature oak forest features 12 miles of multiuse trails, 3 playgrounds and 13 pavilions. In addition to the recreational benefits of the Park, migration of many birds of prey can be viewed in the fall. The park is also home to Christmas Magic. Heritage themes: Natural Wonders and Towns and Countryside.

Shank’s Mare
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - Shank's Mare

Located in Lower Windsor Township, Shanks Mare is located in an 1880's general store that once serviced the Susquehanna Canal industry at Lock 2. It is located directly across from the Conejohela Flats which is designated as one of three premier migratory bird stopovers in PA. Shank’s Mare serves as a river outfitter as well as provides environmental education. Educational sessions are also dedicated to river lore and the history of the Susquehannocks. Heritage themes: Natural Wonders and Ingenuity.

The Shoehouse
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - The Shoehouse

Located in Hellam Township, the Shoehouse is a unique landmark of “programmatic architecture.” It was commissioned by Marlon Haines in 1948 as an advertising gimmick, this 25 foot high shoe has been a part of the York County landscape and pop culture. It appears on the York County Historic Register and interpretation tells how important the shoe business was to the local economy. Heritage theme: Towns and Countryside.

Spring Valley County Park
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - Spring Valley County Park

Located in Springfield, Shrewsbury and North Hopewell Townships, this park consists of 868 acres of old agricultural fields and an uneven aged forest. It provides for multimanagement of resources including Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields, agricultural producing fields, Animal Activity Area, fishing and forest management. Heritage themes: Natural Wonders and Towns and Countryside.

Wallace-Cross Mill
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - Wallace Cross Mill

Located in East Hopewell Township, it is the only remaining water-powered grist mill in York County. Heavily supported by the Friends of Wallace Cross mill, visitors can observe the actual operation of the mill equipment. The mill was constructed in 1826 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Heritage themes: Bounty and Ingenuity.

William H. Kain County Park
(Designated July 2008)

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Photo - William Kain County Park

Located in York and Springfield Townships, this partnership with The York Water Company provides over 1,600 acres of recreational experiences for visitors. Over 12 miles of multi-use trails and Lakes Williams and Redman provide many opportunties for visitors. Hunting by permit and fishing is allowed. Heritage themes: Natural Wonders and Towns and Countryside.