Welcome to the Village of Intercourse, Pennsylvania
Many people consider Intercourse the heart of the Amish Country. Intercourse is a hub where many Amish and local folks do their business. It is also one of the top tourism destinations for many visitors to the Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Beautiful Amish farms surround the village, which is located along the Old Philadelphia Pike (Route 340) in Eastern Lancaster County. Intercourse is just east of Bird-in-Hand and north of Paradise, and is close to many Lancaster County attractions. The village stands as a clear reminder of our traditional American heritage where people live by a simpler way of life.
Take a walk around this small country town and you’ll discover many intriguing specialty shops, museums, art galleries, and local restaurants, with many more shops and attractions just outside of town. (See below.)
Intercourse is a Center of Amish Activity
For many visitors, one of the biggest attractions of Intercourse is the Amish people themselves. Intercourse is a center where many local Amish come to shop, bank, and conduct their business. And many of the local shops in town sell quilts, furniture, and other Amish products hand-made by these Amish neighbors.
Some of the scenes from the Paramount motion picture “Witness”, starring Harrison Ford, were filmed right here in Intercourse.
How Intercourse Got Its Name
Formerly known as “Cross Keys”, this village was founded in 1754. The name was changed to Intercourse in 1814. There are several explanations concerning the origin of the name of Intercourse, but none can really be substantiated. The first centers around an old race track which existed just east of town along the Old Philadelphia Pike. The entrance to the race course was known as “Entercourse”. Some suggest that “Entercourse” gradually evolved into “Intercourse”.
Another theory concerns two major roads that crossed here: the Old King’s Highway, which ran from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh (now called the Old Philadelphia Pike), and the road from Wilmington, Delaware to Erie, Pennsylvania. The intersection of these two roads was thought to be the basis for the town of “Cross Keys” or, eventually, “Intercourse”.
A final idea comes from the “old english” language which was is use in the early 1800′s. It refers to the “fellowship” or social interaction and friendship which was so much a part of an agricultural village and culture at that time. These roots mark the community of faith to this day, and the many evidences of it are experienced by those who care to dig a bit more deeply while visiting this area.
Come & Enjoy Your Visit to Intercourse
Intercourse is a fascinating village full of delightful treasures, friendly shopkeepers, and quality food and merchandise, nestled in the scenic Amish Country. For visitors of any age, there’s plenty to do here.
You’ll enjoy your visit here!
Considering a visit to Lancaster County?
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