Lancaster, Pennsylvania has many historical attractions but perhaps one of the most beautiful and interesting of those places is the Historic Rock Ford Plantation. Nestled on the banks of the Conestoga River, this serene property is said to have gotten its name from fording the river with rock outcroppings, because of the lack of bridges.
Edward Hand purchased a total of 177 acres by 1792 and then in 1794 the main house was built. The 4 story red brick home has a center hall with 4 corner rooms on every floor. This wonderful Georgian architecture was typical of the period and even today the house remains pretty much the same and even has the original rails, cupboards, paneling, shutters, doors, and windowpanes.
By the late 1790s several buildings had been added including a tenant house, two barns, a springhouse, and other outbuildings. General Edward Hand died in 1802, but it wasn't until 1810 that the estate was sold and used as a tenant farm into the 1900s.
In the 1950s there were plans to demolish the age ridden plantation until it was purchased by the Junior League of Lancaster and thus the Rock Ford Foundation was established and the house was restored to its original glory.
In 1960 the Historic Rock Ford Plantation was opened to the public and it still remains one of the best examples of architecture from that period.
Guided tours are available so visitors can experience what life was like during the late 1700s, children's activities and open hearth cooking demonstrations are also available. Also check out the gift shop and take home a souvenir from your visit. Special events are held at the Historic Rock Ford Plantation from time to time including visits from war re-enactors, ghost stories, Christmastime at the plantation, and more.
The plantation is also a great place for special occasions like weddings, office functions, parties, and such with 32 lush green acres filled with gardens, wooded areas, the river, the barn, and the mansion.
