One of the little known facts about the City of Lancaster is that it was actually the U.S. Capital for one day back in 1877.

History was made here in Lancaster Country, and it's been preserved here. You can follow the march of history at dozens of locations throughout the city and county, including James Buchanan's Wheatland, the fully-restored home of President James Buchanan; the Fulton Opera House; the Strasburg Railroad; and the Ephrata Cloister.

A guided walking tour of the city's spotless, tree-lined streets, restored brick homes, and historic churches is sure to take you back to Colonial times. Or take in the sights, sounds and aromas of Central Market, America's oldest publicly owned, continuously operated farmer's market, located just off of the city's historic square.

The Amish were among a variety of religious sects from Germany and Switzerland who were drawn here in the early 1700's by the rich farmland and William Penn's promise of religious freedom. It is not certain what is the true origin of the term "Pennsylvania Dutch." According to some, it came from English-speaking settlers who confused the German and Swiss spoken by the Amish and Mennonites with words that sounded similar in Dutch. Another possible origin is that over time, the word Deutsch (German) was simply replaced by "Dutch."