Lancaster in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

John Durang

(1768 - 1822)

Photographed by William Pfingsten, February 2, 2008

1. John Durang (1768 - 1822) Marker

Inscription. The first American-born professional stage performer, Durang gained fame as a dancer, actor, clown, musician, acrobat, choreographer, and puppeteer. Born in Lancaster near here, he performed in the northeastern US, eventually founding his own company and a theatrical dynasty.

Erected 2007 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) series list.

Location. 40° 2.41′ N, 76° 18.541′ W. Marker is in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County. It is on Water Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 126 N Water Street, Lancaster PA 17603, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country,

and in the Susquehanna Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

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the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Moravian Cemetery Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Andrew Ellicott (within shouting distance of this marker); Stevens Grave & Memorial (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shreiner-Concord Cemetery (about 500 feet away); Thaddeus Stevens (about 500 feet away); Early Architecture (about 600 feet away); Francis Asbury (about 700 feet away); James Hazlett Binns (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lancaster.

Also see . . . MarkerQuest - John Durang. (Submitted on June 17, 2026, by Laura Klotz of Northampton, Pennsylvania.)

John Durang Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Shane Oliver, November 14, 2020

2. John Durang Marker

Photographed by Shane Oliver, November 14, 2020

3. John Durang Marker

Building at 126 N. Water Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Pfingsten, February 2, 2008

4. Building at 126 N. Water Street

Building is occupied as a puppet theatre.

John Durang Plaque on wall of the Lancaster Marionette Theatre image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Shane Oliver, November 14, 2020

5. John Durang Plaque on wall of the Lancaster Marionette Theatre

Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,824 times since then and 37 times this year. Last updated on June 10, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on February 4, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2, 3. submitted on June 10, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on February 4, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 5. submitted on June 10, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia.