I recently had the opportunity to attend a presentation about local Revolutionary War tourism. Among the many interesting comments and ideas of the presenter, one was that the local community needs to do a better job expanding “revolution” to mean more than just the Revolutionary War.
York is proud of its colonial past and Revolutionary heritage. A friend of mine once described York as a “Victorian town with a colonial attitude.”
The claim of “First Capital” rose to prominence as part of a mid-20th century tourism initiative. But York – the city, the visitors bureau – has toyed with many other slogans and tag lines over the years: “The Spice of Life,” “You’ve Gotta See It,” “See for Yourself,” “Gateway to Central Pennsylvania,” “You’ve Got it Made in York, PA,” “Factory Tour Capital of the World.”
Recognize any of these? “Factory Tour Capital of World” is the current branding initiative of the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau, packaging industrial heritage with factory and winery tours, among other offerings.
And the City of York uses “A Revolutionary Experience” in promotional activities, combining colonial history and buildings with the modern-day York Revolution baseball team.
I had the opportunity to work with Genesis Publishing & Advertising on several installments of their “Revolutionary York” visitors guide, which focused on the City of York. Here’s how we packaged the many revolutions of York, from the 2006 guide:
York: A Revolutionary Attitude for 265 Years
When York was laid out 265 years ago at the intersection of the Monocacy Road and Codorus Creek, there were but a few European settlers in the surrounding area. York was soon to become the crossroads of American history. Act I of this drama occurred during the American Revolution, when York found itself as the seat of American government and home to the Second Continental Congress. The Articles of Confederation were adopted in York and the first national Thanksgiving was declared here. The second act occurred only 86 years later. At the exact spot where patriots John Adams, Sam Adams, and John Hancock led the fledging new country, the Confederate Army was poised to tear it apart. In late June 1863, York became the largest Northern town occupied by the Confederates. Where a historic courthouse once stood, the rebel army seized the town and lowered the American flag. But York escaped destruction and soon found itself on the forefront of another revolution: the Industrial Revolution. The backdrop for this act was industrial ingenuity, from the creation of the first coal-burning locomotive and first iron steamboat to the ubiquitous use of the “York” brand: the York Plan, York Peppermint Patty, and York Air Conditioner. York’s latest act is a citywide revitalization, and a rediscovery of this great history. For the visitor, this means four museums comprising over 300,000 square feet, five historic sites, regularly-scheduled Colonial and Civil War living history programs, and one of the largest urban historic districts in the region.York offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover their past – literally. The Historical Society Museum and Library has extensive genealogical holdings that attract researchers from throughout the country. The Agricultural & Industrial Museum, Fire Museum of York County, and Police Heritage Museum portray local and national heritage through exhibits and collections while the Colonial Complex and Bonham House offer four historic house museums and one historic reconstruction. The York County Heritage Trust’s living history programs bring the past to the present. A monthly Civil War / Victorian program includes life in an occupied town, encampment of the 38th Georgia Infantry, and Civil War medicine. Plus, York is now part of the new Pennsylvania Civil War Trails program. Eighteenth century living history can be experienced at the Colonial Complex, which includes three historic buildings and a replica of the building that played host to the Second Continental Congress. Costumed interpreters are present every Friday and Saturday from Memorial Day through Labor Day, while expanded special events occur throughout the year.
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