10 Towns In Pennsylvania That Transport You To The Past
Pennsylvania is a state steeped in history, where charming towns and picturesque landscapes invite you to step back in time and well in nostalgia. From the days of early settlers to the Revolutionary War, the state is rich with stories that have shaped the United States. Each town tells an interesting tale through well-preserved architecture, historic sites, and vibrant local culture, offering visitors a glimpse into a bygone era. These hidden gems of Pennsylvania are a window to the formative years and allow travelers to experience their unique heritage and timeless charm. Whether wandering cobblestone streets lined with colonial homes in New Hope or visiting the historic battlefields of Gettysburg, these delightful towns in Pennsylvania embody the spirit of history. Join us on a journey through Pennsylvania’s past, where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.
West Chester
Home to West Chester University, this pleasant borough has a strong political history as the seat of Chester County. This is clear from several landmarks and sites in the West Chester Downtown Historic District, which offer a window to the past. At the Chester County History Center, guests can learn about the region's rich backstory by browsing a rotating collection of photographs, artifacts, and manuscripts. Meanwhile, the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center showcases the evolution in the design of helicopters with exhibits and models throughout history.
The neighborhood also hosts an impressive collection of rustic structures dating back to the last century. Highlights include Saint Agnes Parish, constructed in 1925, and the United States Postal Service, which dates back to 1907. Altogether, 3,000 buildings in the area take visitors on a surreal trip down memory lane.
York
York is where the Articles of Confederation were adopted by the American Congress, outrightly making it the first capital of the United States. The small borough harbors a rich tapestry of national history preserved throughout Historic Downtown York. Rusty cobblestone streets lead visitors through a maze of vintage buildings, museums, and mid-18th-century homes. Stop by the York County History Center to uncover curious folklore and stories from the early years, expressed through archives and artifacts.
You'll be tempted to shop at the Central Market House, whose conspicuous red-brick design dates back to the late 1800s. While exploring the landmarks, spare time to watch a moving performance at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts. Stepping into the 1906 venue feels like being inside a time capsule, with intimate details punctuating its vintage interior.
New Hope
Known for its arts and history, New Hope tells an interesting story that resonates with travelers across the region. This visual journey to the past plays out across the New Hope Village District, a National Historic District with over 200 buildings emerging in the 18th century. Notable among them is the Parry Mansion Museum, which sticks out for its Georgian Colonial architecture. The structure was built in 1784 and harbors artifacts and furnishings from the period.
The Bucks County Playhouse is another local mainstay that has been around since 1790. Set on the banks of the Delaware River, this former grist mill-turned-theater venue serves as New Hope's cultural hub. Wrap up your historical tour of New Hope by lodging at the Logan Inn, which maintains a rustic charm with sixteen original rooms from when it was established in the 1700s.
Bedford
Bedford's colorful heritage intertwines with former President George Washington's pursuit of quashing the Whiskey Rebellion. It harbors a delightful historic district displaying old-world architecture in a cluster of well-preserved buildings. This includes Bedford County's oldest structure, the Fortified Bedford House, constructed in 1758. Also, Fort Bedford Museum welcomes newcomers for an immersive look into the town's chronology. It showcases a vast artifact collection depicting notable occurrences in the past, from the French and Indian War to the Whiskey Rebellion.
Elsewhere, remember to visit the National Museum of the American Coverlet for a sense of national cultural heritage. This quirky museum honors the culture of crocheting across the country by displaying assorted 19th-century coverlets woven from different regions of the United States.
New Castle
Popularly known as the "hot dog capital of the world," New Castle is a tiny village rooted in history. This is evident from the wealth of historical markers and sites, with multiple listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Scottish Rite Cathedral stands out as New Castle's most beautiful building, boasting a heritage dating back to 1925.
However, visitors will find walking through the maze of vintage structures punctuating the North Hill Historic District more intriguing. The corridor harbors over 1,800 historic buildings, distinguished by their vintage architecture, originating from the late Victorian to 20th century Revivals. The Reis Home is an excellent example, sporting a gorgeous Queen Anne-style design in the former dwelling of industrialist William Reis.
Lewistown
Lewistown credits its existence to the arrival of European settlers in the late 1700s. Its rich heritage includes playing a role during the Civil War and has a treasure trove of historical markers to show for it. Walking around the Lewistown Historic District exposes a fair share of blasts from the past, such as the Mifflin County Courthouse. This majestic structure from 1843 lures many photographers with its Greek Revival-style facade. You will also come across the McCoy House, which was completed in the 1840s and is remembered as the birthplace of Major General Frank Ross McCoy. The historic home still displays period artifacts and furnishings in their original state.
Finally, the best way to get a broad view of Lewistown's captivating past is to visit the Mifflin County Historical Society. The facility promises a nostalgic experience of perusing relics, examining memorabilia, and touring various historical treasures.
Gettysburg
History buffs and American warfare enthusiasts rank Gettysburg among the most interesting towns in Pennsylvania, a credit to its unprecedented Civil War heritage. The tiny borough iconically hosted the Battle of Gettysburg, which tipped the scale in favor of the Union forces, marking a landmark period that determined the course of the conflict. The battle site remains intact, and tourists can witness it at the Gettysburg National Military Park. The location has an informative Visitor Center and Museum with interactive Civil War exhibits comprehensively recounting the war's chronology.
Gettysburg's old town hosts countless Civil War-related landmarks, including the Jennie Wade Museum. The 1863 home tells the story of civilian Jennie Wade, who became known as the heroine of Gettysburg. Beyond the war, you can also tour the town's oldest structure, Dobbin House Tavern, and enjoy a tasty chicken dish surrounded by rustic 18th-century charm.
Lititz
Lititz was founded by Moravians in the mid-1700s. It is a historically rich community that takes travelers on an invigorating journey exploring several significant happenings. You can kick off your itinerary at the Lititz Historical Foundation for a brief city backstory before exploring the several preserved landmarks. Highlights include the Julius Sturgis Bakery, better known as America's first pretzel bakery. This 19th-century structure maintains its old-world charm with distinct brick construction and delicious pretzels made using original recipes.
But that is not the only first in Lititz; the town hosts the Linden Hall School for Girls, established in 1746 as the earliest girls' boarding school in America. Finally, you can wrap up your tour with a stop at the Wilbur Chocolate Store to indulge your sweet tooth in a historic confectionary shop from 1884.
Bellefonte
Bellefonte received its first settlers in the 1700s, marking the beginning of a long heritage that makes the town a reserve for historically inclined tourists. The Bellefonte Historic District invites you to admire Victorian-era architecture and explore vintage sites, starting at the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society. This lovely venue sheds light on the area's railway history through related artifacts and relics.
Meanwhile, the Col. James Dunlop House is the neighborhood's oldest structure, boasting a legacy from 1795. You can tour the home to marvel at its architectural details and high-quality workmanship, which has allowed it to remain standing. Also, you can't miss out on a rich part of Pennsylvania's history at the Plaza Theatre. This former movie house from 1925 is notable for being designed by the state's first female architect.
Chester
This tiny borough of Delaware County reminds vacationers of Pennsylvania's rich origins and formative years. It first welcomed European settlers in the 1640s before becoming a colonial settlement. However, it is best remembered as the landing site of William Penn, the famous pioneer who established the Province of Philadelphia. At the William Penn Landing Site monument, a granite statue stands over five feet with Penn's coat of arms.
Elsewhere, Nebula Gallery offers a feel for local arts and culture by allowing visitors to examine pieces by local artists. There is more to explore and discover along Art on Avenue of the States. This creative hub is a popular getaway for art lovers, providing a diversity of artistic resources and services to the townspeople.
Final Thought
Brace for a refreshing dive into the rich tapestry of Pennsylvania's history as you explore these ten enchanting towns. Each destination offers a unique window into the past, allowing you to experience the stories and traditions that have shaped the state over centuries. From the charming streets of a well-preserved historic district in New Castle to the echoes of Civil War battles in Gettysburg, the beautiful towns in Pennsylvania promise to captivate your imagination and transport you to another time.
