Hanover in York County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Richard McAllister
Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, January 26, 2008
1. Richard McAllister Marker
Founder of Hanover
In 1745, Richard McAllister purchased 217 acres from John Digges, establishing the original town of Hanover. Hanover is situated at the crossroads of two major colonial highways - the Monocacy Trail from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Frederick, Maryland, and The Great Road from Baltimore to Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Known variously as Hickory Town after heavy tree growth or McAllister's Town, Hanover became the adopted name to please the predominantly local German inhabitants. By 1763, McAllister had subdivided the town into 155 building lots with a two-acre center square. McAllister operated a mill north of York Springs, had an interest in local iron making, and operated a general store on Center Square.
At the time of McAllister's death in 1795, Hanover's population numbered 500. During his lifetime Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George and Martha Washington traveled through Hanover. The restored Neas House at 113 West Chestnut Street dates from this colonial period.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1745.
Location.
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, in the Susquehanna Valley, and in Greater Harrisburg. It was also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: Hanover's Wounded (a few steps from this marker); Market House (a few steps from this marker); Battle of Hanover (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Hanover (within shouting distance of this marker); The Union Strikes Back (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Hanover (within shouting distance of this marker); Major General George Armstrong Custer (within shouting distance of this marker); Army of the Potomac (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hanover.
Other markers no longer nearby. Inventions of Hanover (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently
Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, January 26, 2008
2. This and 7 other markers are located in this display kiosk.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Photographed by Shane Oliver, August 28, 2021
3. Hanover Gazebo Marker Kiosk
As of August 2021, all markers have been removed from the kiosk.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 29, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,719 times since then and 106 times this year. Last updated on September 8, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 29, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on September 8, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia.
