So many historic sites can be found all across the State of Pennsylvania. Some are more obvious community callouts, made famous by a one-time major milestone or other alluring attribute. Others pack a plentiful history, yet sit silently in the shadows of more famous surrounding neighboring jurisdictions. Hanover, Pennsylvania, is one such example.
For all intents and purposes, Hanover is largely less popular than its existing neighbors of Gettysburg, Hershey, and Lancaster, but it boasts a bounty of its own signature merits just the same. From its standing as the “Snack Food Capital of the World” to being the site of an underrated, albeit crucial and possibly fate-altering Civil War battle, in this Flashback Friday Feature I’m shedding a little more light on the historic highlights of how Hanover came to be what it is today.
Early Settlements
As is the case with all other precolonial American states, the land that now comprises Pennsylvania was once inhabited by Native Americans. The first European settlers didn’t arrive on site until much later.
It was in 1727 that the Irish nobleman John Digges, originally of Prince George’s County, Maryland, obtained a 10,000-acre land grant to the north, provided by Charles Calvert, the fifth Baron Baltimore. The encompassing area that would eventually come to be known as Hanover was originally named “Digges Choice,” in honor of its founder.
In 1730, a group of Catholics settled here, creating what would become “Conewago Settlement.” As land boundaries were still hazy in those days, both Marylanders and Pennsylvanians largely populated the immediate area.
It was in 1745 that a Scot-Irishman known as Richard McAllister moved to the area from Cumberland Valley. He purchased a tract of land and built a modest log cabin, small store, and serviceable tavern. At the time, the encompassing area was still densely covered in unbridled forestry and vast wilderness. Therefore, one of the earliest names adopted for the newly budding community, which McAllister had divided up into lots, was “Hickory Town.” The official name “Hanover” was suggested by Michael Tanner—one of the commissioners who laid out York County in 1749 and who himself owned land to the southeast.
Tanner’s idea was born out of the fact that he was a native of Hanover, Germany. Adding to that was that many of the town’s founders hoped to appease the vast German immigrant population that inhabited the area.
Town Growth
The Hanover borough continued to grow throughout the years. It should be known that a clear state border was not established until the late 1760s, when British surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon were hired to draw a famous dividing line now known as the Mason-Dixon Line. Mapped out between 1763 and 1767, this finally put an end to all the land disputes between the states of Maryland and Pennsylvania, which had been going on since the early 1730s.
By the time of the American Revolution, Hanover contained as many as 500 homes and residences. The majority were constructed as log cabins. Thomas Jefferson was even reported to have spent the night at an inn called “the Sign of the Horse” in April of 1776, en route to the first meeting of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. He enjoyed his stay, dinner, and lodging so well that he elected to stay there upon his return to Monticello in September.
Population really started booming for the town in the 1850s. This was, of course, in conjunction with the construction of the Hanover Branch Railroad to Hanover Junction. The Gettysburg Railroad opened a railroad link westward in 1858. The Hanover and York Railroads were completed in 1876.
Civil War History
Hanover was even the site of its very own Civil War battle of significant prominence. This was, in fact, the final encounter between both Union and Confederate forces before the infamous three-day Battle of Gettysburg in July. The Battle of Hanover occurred on June 30, 1863.
Under the direction of Judson Kilpatrick, the Union Cavalry encountered J.E.B. Stuart leading the Confederates. This initiated a breakout fight between the two. The conflict, while inconclusive, actually served to delay the Confederates advancing on the way to Gettysburg even earlier. Three days before, another detachment of Virginia cavalry briefly took up residence in Hanover, commandeering supplies from locals.
Economy and Commerce
Hanover has experienced various industrial milestones throughout the years. Notable industries in the immediate area early on have included cigar manufacturing, textile development (gloves, silks, shirts, shoes, etc.), furniture, water wheels, flour, machine-shop products, ironstone grinders, and so much more. Hanover-branded canned vegetables were among many of its claims to fame.
The community’s first newspaper was published back in 1797. It was Die Pennsylvania Wochenschrift. This was followed in 1805 by the Hanover Gazette.
Hanover has since emerged as the “Snack Food Capital of the World” due to the establishment of multiple food manufacturing businesses during the 20th century. Two specifically famous brands born here include Utz and Snyder’s.
Exploring Historic Hanover Today
Many of Hanover’s original or otherwise earlier and antiquated buildings and structures have been preserved, restored, and maintained. Classic callouts that can be visited today fill what is now known as the Hanover Historic District. Running the course of Elm Avenue, Broadway, Eisenhower Drive, and Hollywood Avenue, the Hanover Historic District comprises 2,632 contributing buildings, four contributing sites, three contributing structures, and one contributing object (The Picket). Structures to look out for specifically include the George Nace (Neas) House, United States Post Office, Eichelberger High School, and the Warehime-Myers Mansion, among so many others.
Hanover, Pennsylvania, remains a highlight for history buffs and modern adventurers alike to this day. It’s definitely a place worth exploring and learning about, with plenty of newer and older attractions and even special events throughout the year.