York County, like Lancaster County on the east side of the Susquehanna River, has enjoyed an agricultural bounty since colonial days. But its unique industrial identity was born from a combination of geographic isolation and a can-do American spirit. The Agricultural & Industrial Museum explores the development of farming as a York County way of life and economy. The collection of agricultural artifacts includes locally made wagons, tractors, steam engines and farm tools. But it also tells the story of how circumstances, such as poor colonial-era transportation routes and York’s distance from markets in Baltimore and Philadelphia, meant the county had to become self-sustaining for everyday household items like furniture, hardware, blacksmithing and other manufacturing-based products.That’s why, today, its rich heritage spans more than just agriculture. Artifacts related to weightlifting, welding, casket manufacturing, artificial teeth and piano and organ factories are on display. Many items, from Pfaltzgraff dinnerware, founded in 1811, to Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, are still American-made in York County.
Your Guide to Pennsylvania
