In Lancaster County Central Park quietly sits a truly historic American home – Rock Ford.

Named after a nearby rock ford once used to cross the nearby Conestoga River, this 1794 home was built by General Edward Hand and remains remarkably unchanged architecturally even today.

Edward Hand emigrated to Lancaster in 1774 after resigning from the British Army in the colonies. His formal training was in medicine, and he hoped to practice in his new home town.  However, he enlisted in the Continental Army in 1775 and led troops in several key battles early in the Revolutionary War.  He became adjutant-General to George Washington in 1781.  Returning to Lancaster after the war, Hand became active in politics and served in Congress and State Assembly.  He was also elected Burgess of Lancaster.  He moved into his newly-built home at his Rock Ford farm (which had been owned as a tenant farm for 25 years prior) in 1794 and died there in 1802.

Threatened at one point with demolition, the mansion was saved in 1958 with the creation of the Rock Ford Foundation.  The under-renovation home was opened to the public in 1960 and continues to this day.  It is a key example of early American Georgian architecture in Pennsylvania and harkens the visitor back to the early days of gentry country life.

Tours are available – call 717-392-7223 for more information and times. For directions click here.  While you’re in Lancaster Central Park take some extra time to check out the great amenities and nature it has to offer.  Enjoy your walk through history at the Rock Ford Plantation in Lancaster, PA.