Historic Rock Ford

881 Rockford Road
Lancaster, PA 17603
717-392-7223

Welcome to Historic Rock Ford

Historic Rock Ford was the home of Edward Hand and his family as well as enslaved and free servants and laborers. During the American Revolution, Edward Hand was adjutant to George Washington. Today, Historic Rock Ford offers guided tours of the elegantly furnished rooms of the circa 1794 Hand Mansion as well as the opportunity to visit the John J. Snyder, Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts which is housed on the second floor of a reconstructed 18th-century bank barn.

Historic Rock Ford is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is owned and operated by the private non-profit Rock Ford Foundation. Comprised of 33 acres and surrounded by Lancaster County Central Park, Historic Rock Ford offers visitors a peaceful enclave for lovers of history, art and nature just inside the boundaries of Lancaster City.

Location and Directions

Rock Ford is located approximately one mile south of downtown Lancaster on the banks of the Conestoga River and is surrounded by what is now Lancaster County Central Park.

Who Was Edward Hand?

Edward Hand was born in Ireland in 1744, received medical training in Dublin, and served as a Surgeon’s mate in the Irish army at Fort Pitt in what is now Pittsburgh. He resigned from British service in 1774 and moved to Lancaster to practice medicine. In 1775, he married Katherine (“Kitty”) Ewing, who was the niece of the prominent American lawyer and judge, Jasper Yeates.

In 1775 Hand joined the Continental Army and led troops at the battles of Boston, Long Island, White Plains and Trenton. In 1781 he became Adjutant General under General George Washington. Following the war, he served in the Pennsylvania General Assembly and was elected Burgess of Lancaster.

Hand purchased 177 acres of land between 1785 and 1792. In 1794, he built Rock Ford on the property and lived there with his wife and eight children. He died at Rock Ford on September 3, 1802.

Tour Hours and Information

You can call 717-392-7223 or check online for hours of operation and admission prices.

We offer many special events throughout the year.

Group tours are also available.

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