HISTORIC 18th CENTURY HOME OF GENERAL EDWARD HAND

Rock Ford Plantation stands on the wooded banks of the Conestoga River, 1 mile South of Lancaster. Two centuries ago, no bridges spanned the nearby Conestoga River. Therefore, one forded the Conestoga at a spot with rock outcroppings. This location is the most likely origin of the name "Rock Ford".

Edward Hand purchased the  "plantation tract of land" in two transactions: 160 acres in 1785, and 17 additional acres in 1792. The old term for a farm under cultivation was "plantation". Built circa 1794, the Georgian style brick mansion remains remarkably preserved and essentially unchanged architecturally. Rock Ford's spacious four floors conform to the same plan -- a center hall and four corner rooms -- typical of the period. Visitors walk the original 18th century floors and see original rails, shutters, doors, cupboards, paneling, and windowpanes.

While owned by the Hand family, the property was a working farm with fields, livestock, and extensive orchards. Edward Hand is remembered for introducing a type of plum, which subsequently bore his name. By the late 1790's, in addition to the mansion, the plantation boasted a tenant house, springhouse, two barns, and numerous outbuildings.

On July 4, 1791, General and Mrs. Hand entertained George Washington for tea during the President's visit to Lancaster.  Although the precise location of this tea was not contemporaneously documented, it was traditionally believed to have taken place at Rock Ford Plantation.

General Hand's own estate inventory was instrumental both in locating specific articles from his residency and in furnishing the rooms. Archaeological excavations in the surrounding grounds have unearthed well preserved artifacts, in addition to foundations of outbuildings mentioned in tax records. Built after Hand's return from the Revolutionary War, Rock Ford Plantation remains an authentic example of refined country living as it existed during the early years of the Republic.

After being sold from the Hand estate in 1810, the property was operated as a tenant farm into the 20th century. By the 1950's, it was owned by the Lancaster Area Refuse Authority, and the mansion was threatened by demolition. In 1957, the house with adjacent acreage was bought by the Junior League of Lancaster. In May, 1958, the Rock Ford Foundation, Inc., was established to restore and maintain the property.

The house was opened to the public in 1960, and the restoration of the wooden piazzas was completed in 1964. Today, Rock Ford is one of the most important examples of Georgian domestic architecture surviving in Pennsylvania and the most intact building predating 1800 in Lancaster County. The living-history programming of the museum includes hands-on activities for children and open-hearth cooking demonstrations in addition to regular guided tours.

THE BARN AT ROCK FORD

The Barn and grounds at Rock Ford are available to rent for weddings and receptions, office meetings and parties, and other events. Hold your next function on 32 picturesque acres surrounded by gardens, woodlands, the Conestoga River, and General Hand's mansion estate. Please call our offices for rates and information.

GENERAL EDWARD HAND
(1744 - 1802)

Born December 31, 1744 in Clydruff, Ireland. Following medical training at Trinity College, Dublin, he was enlisted as Surgeon's Mate with the 18th Royal Irish Regiment of Foot and sent to garrison Fort Pitt in America. He resigned from British service in 1774, and came to Lancaster to practice medicine.

In July 1775, Hand joined the Continental Army as Lt. Colonel of the 1st Battalion of Pennsylvania Riflemen. He led troops at Boston, Long Island, White Plains and Trenton, becoming Adjutant General to Washington in 1781. At War's end Hand returned to Lancaster and entered politics as a Federalist. He served Congress, State General Assembly, and was elected Burgess of Lancaster. He took up permanent residence at Rock Ford in 1794 where he died on September 3, 1802.

Rock Ford Plantation is open to the public from
April through October.

Due to the Easter holiday, the 2012 Tour Season will begin
Wednesday, April 11.
 

Wednesday - Sunday
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
(Last tour begins at 3:00 pm)
Rock Ford Plantation is closed Monday and Tuesday.

Season Tour Admission Rates are as follows:
$7.00 Adults
$6.00 Seniors (65 and over)
$5.00 for Children 6-12
Children under 6 are free
 

Special arrangements may be available for Group Tours.
Please check the “Group Tours” page of our website
for further details.
 

Special events are held at Rock Ford Plantation throughout the year.
Please check the “Special Events” page of our website
for further details.

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