In 1693 French fur trader Pierre Bezaillion settled in an area just east of what is now Lancaster City. His intent was to trade with the Delaware Indians. More French settlers followed, and in the mid 1700's named the town Strasburg, after their home city in France, Strasbourg (I've been there). Interesting that the town can trace its roots to French influence amidst the Amish German culture that pervades the area!
Strasburg's "golden era" came in the second half of the 18th century when it became a stop for the Conestoga wagons headed west into the wilderness of central PA. After Lancaster City's rise to prominence, Strasburg remained important with the advent of the railroad and the Strasburg RR exists to this day, even thought the town itself never became a major stop on the route.
The area's many Amish trace their roots back to the early 1700's, and many farm the region today much as their ancestors did for over 200 years. The town has developed into a popular tourist attraction in Lancaster County. Strasburg has a great old-town feel. Major attractions in the area would be:
- Sight & Sound theatres, which has grown from a small playhouse to a gargantuan facility putting on major productions with Biblical themes.
- Strasburg Railroad and Rail Road Museum - museum of trains and Pennsylvania rail road history, with operating engines and rides.
- The National Toy Train Museum - great collection of toys dating back to the mid-1800's.
Part of the Lampeter-Strasburg School district, Strasburg has it's own elementary school. For school info try GreatSchools.net.
For Strasburg PA homes for sale and Strasburg PA real estate info, I am happy to help and can be reached at 717-581-2467 or at my email.
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