York in York County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Penn Common
York, Pennsylvania
Since 1741, when the town of York was founded, Penn Common has been used as an area for public gatherings. In 1816, the Common was deeded to the Borough of York by the heirs of William Penn, to be kept as a “public Common forever.” During the Civil War it became the site of a military hospital where over 14,000 Union troops were treated. In 1890, the City of York developed this land into a public park for its citizens.
Renovations: 1979
Funded by the City of York and the U.S. Heritage Conservation Recreation Service. Aided by the Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs and the Penn Common Planning Committee.
Erected 1979.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Parks & Recreational Areas • War of 1812 • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1741.
Location. 39° 57.454′ N, 76° 43.661′ W. Marker is in York, Pennsylvania, in York County. Marker is at the intersection of West College Avenue and South Beaver Street on West College Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 W College Ave, York PA 17401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Calvin C. Rice, Jr. (a few steps from this marker); Soldiers and Sailors of the Late War of the Rebellion
this page online
Additional keywords. ‘Squire’ Baxton, ‘Mad’ Anthony Wayne
Photographed By Adam Margolis, January 9, 2023
2. Penn Common Marker
Photographed By J. J. Prats, March 1, 2008
3. Penn Common Marker
Photographed By J. J. Prats, March 1, 2008
4. Plan for the Civil War Hospital
Photographed By Adam Margolis, January 9, 2023
6. Penn Common Marker
Photographed By J. J. Prats, March 1, 2008
7. Tablet on Concrete Pedestal, and a Corner of the Commons
circa 1916
8. Birdseye View of Penn Common, York, PA
Postcard No. 25912 published by Fair & Square Bargain House, York, Pa., reads “Penn Park. Long known as ‘The Commons.’ Given by Penn’s heirs, 1741. First embraced 20, then 16 acres. Early used as public pasture ground. Then by circuses, Militia musters and ‘Squire’ Baxton. Used by ‘Mad’ Anthony Wayne and his soldiers in Revolution; 7,000 soldiers encamped upon it in 1814 for assistance and defense of Baltimore. First York County Agricultural Fair held upon it in 1853. From 1861–5 used by soldiers and by government hospitals; 14,000 sick and wounded soldiers treated, of whom several hundred died and were buried on a plot in Prospect Hill Cemetery. Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument 60 ft. high erected on it in 1898. Many other improvements made. A large public library may be placed on its site in near future. —Dr. I. H. Betz.”
Photographed By J. J. Prats, March 1, 2008
9. Soldiers and Sailors of the War of the Rebellion Monument
This monument is just down the brick walk from the marker. Can be seen down the length of Beaver Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,883 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 3, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on January 14, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3, 4. submitted on March 2, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5. submitted on July 3, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 6. submitted on January 14, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 7. submitted on March 2, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 8. submitted on March 6, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 9. submitted on March 2, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
