The Neighborhoods of Old Town comprises four historic areas which are a part of the Lancaster City
Historic District . They are Old Hickorytown, Old Town, the first block of Historic South Lime St.,and
Washington Square. OLD HICKORYTOWN
The residential area bordered by South Lime, Howard Avenue, Rockland and Church Streets. This is
the oldest historic area in the neighborhood and was originally ca
lled "Adamstown". In 1744 Dr. Adam Simon Kuhns bought this tract of land and surveyed a town of 46 lots. Most of
these lots were sold by a lottery. The winner received a free lot, but were required to pay an annual fee
of seven shillings. The lot owner had two years to erect a stone or brick story-and-a-half structure. OLD TOWN
An historic area established following the rehabilitation of a three acre residential enclave surrounded
by Church, E. Duke Streets in the late 1970's.The tract was composed of approximately
59 buildings dating from 1750 to 1930, most of them vacant and many in advanced stages of decay. The tract was transformed into 58 houses with such amenities as private garages, walled patios,
gardens, and roof decks. This became one of the most applauded and successful rehabilitation projects
in the City of Lancaster. THE FIRST BLOCK OF HISTORIC SOUTH LIME ST. The history of this block of S. began before the City of Lancaster was granted a charter in
1742. The roadway was used by local cattle herders as the main access to the stockyards located on the
northern edge of the city. Single-family homes, the beginnings of a community hospital and small
businesses were established along the roadway in the early 1800's. Today, this historic area remains
architecturally unchanged from the late 1800's and early 1900's. WASHINGTON SQUARE
Bounded by E. Vine, S. Duke, Washington, and S. Christian Streets. This historic area is significant
for its role in socio-economic history and offers a sampling of intact domestic architecture. The
buildings date from c. 1840-1900. Stylistically, they range from the late Federal to the Victorian
period. DID YOU KNOW? The home at 213 Church St. ( Old Hickorytown ) is only 10 feet wide and is one of the narrowest
residences in the city. This " Ten - Hour House " is one of several constructed in Lancaster City in the
late 1800's. Local businessmen would take wagers that a group of construction workers could build a
structure within a certain time period. This structure was completed in 10 hours.
