LOCATION 

Lancaster Pennsylvania is a mid size city with a population over 57,000. Located within the south central portion of the state and situated in the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch country, Lancaster is within an hour drive of Harrisburg, Hershey and Reading and within a 2-hour drive to Baltimore and Philadelphia. Washington DC is a three hour drive and New York City is over four all easily accessed by US routes 30, 283 and 222 or the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Harrisburg International Airport services Lancaster and Amtrak provides a full schedule of daily train departures. 

BRIEF HISTORY  

Lancaster Pennsylvania has a rich and dramatic history that has placed it literally in the heart of America's heritage. Originally populated by a variety of Native American Indian tribes, Lancaster became a sanctuary for predominantly Amish, German and English immigrants fleeing religious persecution. The city of Lancaster, founded in 1729 and incorporated in 1818, has been an integral participant in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, a benevolent stop on the Underground Railroad, a political hotbed which produced many great political figures of the 18th and 19th centuries and has played an important role in the advent of the Industrial Revolution. The commercially charged and forward-looking energy of Lancaster has given rise to many companies that have now become household names. Hershey's Chocolate Company originally was founded in 1894, F.W. Woolworth introduced the world to the 5 & 10 store in 1879 and the Hamilton Watch Company created a line of innovative timepieces including the first battery operated wrist watch.  

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS 

Lancaster is known as the heartland of the "Pennsylvania Dutch Country." Time spent in Lancaster will allow you the exceptional opportunity of viewing a world that is as distinct and unique as it is secret and mysterious. Home to the country's oldest Amish community, Lancaster combines the lush beauty of the rolling countryside with the magical serenity of a simpler way of life. In Lancaster one can gain entrance into an extraordinary culture by visiting a working farm, a one-room schoolhouse, or a religious meeting. Or you can enjoy the many historic landmarks from the seat of a horse drawn buggy, the most popular way to see the countryside. For a relaxed and leisurely view of the Pennsylvania Dutch country, climb aboard the Strasburg Railroad, a beautifully resorted authentic passenger train that recaptures the magic and beauty of a by-gone era. Or enjoy a delicious meal in the sumptuous dining car and watch the world pass by. If you require a more exciting excursion, make haste to the Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park, which provides thrills.  

ABOUT EDUCATION 

Education has always been of primary importance for the residents of Lancaster County. Lancaster takes pride in the active participation and consistent involvement of both parents and community alike in creating a dynamic and vital atmosphere of quality education. Each school district is appropriately accredited, academically sound and characterized by excellent student-teacher ratios. The Lancaster School District offers programs geared toward college preparation as well as comprehensive vocational and technical training. In addition, Lancaster also provides an impressive selection of both private and state affiliated colleges and universities. 

ABOUT HEALTHCARE 

Healthcare for the residents of Lancaster is a well-organized and comprehensive system including state of the art hospitals and wellness centers, and in addition to a variety in long term care. Four major hospitals in the area provide medical service to the more than 500,00 members in the Lancaster area. Lancaster General is the area's oldest and most continuously operating health center and has been ranked in the top ten percent of the nation's hospitals by the U.S. News and World Report. Lancaster Regional Medical Center is a 268-bed facility that provides health services to patients that require intensive and specialized medical attention. The Community Hospital of Lancaster is in the final stages of construction and will be inaugurated in the spring of 2004. A full service, self-contained facility, Lancaster Community will specialize in wellness support, community education and research into disease awareness and prevention. Ephrata Community Hospital is a non-profit health service that provides primary care and pain management in addition to women's health care. 

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