Lancaster, PA: Center of the Universe - September 27, 2007

 

When we saw that Lancaster, Pennsylvania, had been the capital of the United States for one day -- September 27, 1777 -- we were prepared to mock the town for losing its sole claim to immortality. Little did we know.... After some research, we discovered that given Lancaster's history, it would have been more remarkable if the town hadn't been a U.S. capital. Unconvinced? Take the following quiz and see if you don't agree: * What city was connected to Philadelphia in the nation's first long-distance paved road? * Where did Meriwether Lewis travel to learn how to plot latitude and longitude? * What community boasts the oldest continuously running theater in the U.S.? * Where did Milton Hershey start his candy business and Frank W. Woolworth start his chain of five and dime stores? * Which U.S. city first adopted the German custom of the Christmas tree? The answer to all of the above is, of course, "Lancaster." So, on this, the 230th anniversary of only one of Lancaster's (and that's pronounced "LANK-i-ster," if you please) many achievements, we salute a town that, pound for pound, can take on any other. Suggested Sites... City of Lancaster - official site for the world's most important city. Lancaster County and Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau - there's more than the Amish to be found in southeastern Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission - they've come a long way since 1795. Fulton Opera House - presenting shows since 1852. Christmas Trees and More - who knew one little fir tree would go so far?