View of Rock Ford Plantation, the historic home of General Edward Hand
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Historic Rock Ford Lancaster

4.7
·274 reviews·Lancaster, United States

Explore the 18th-century plantation home of Revolutionary War hero Major General Edward Hand.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

April - October

Mansion tours available

CrowdMedium
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View of Rock Ford Plantation, the historic home of General Edward Hand

Historic Rock Ford Lancaster

Best Time

April - October

Mansion tours available

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the 18th-century plantation home of Revolutionary War hero Major General Edward Hand.

4.7
(274 reviews)

"Beautiful house with very carefully preserved and restored interiors, all the tiny details from tableware to carpeting."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Library Pass Perk

Check with your local Lancaster library for a pass that can grant free admission for up to 4 people! :library:

⏰ Arrive for Tours

Mansion tours are scheduled. Arrive on time to not miss your slot! :stopwatch:

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 274 reviews

Type

Museum

🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Hand Mansion

The Hand Mansion

Main House

Step back in time in this meticulously preserved 18th-century plantation home.

Historic Art Gallery

Historic Art Gallery

Adjacent Barn

Discover antique furniture and clocks, offering a glimpse into colonial life.

Revolutionary Spirit

Revolutionary Spirit

Grounds

Experience history brought to life with reenactments and exhibits, especially during special events.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Tours

Mansion tours at Historic Rock Ford are scheduled and run from April to October. Arrive early to ensure you don't miss your slot, as tours are popular and can fill up. Check their official hours before your visit to plan your day effectively.

Beyond the Mansion

Your ticket often includes access to the art gallery in the barn, featuring antique furniture and clocks. Consider exploring the surrounding Lancaster County Central Park for a relaxing afternoon walk or bike ride after your visit.

Best Times

When
April - October
Why
Mansion tours available
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed pace
Crowd
Low
When
Special Event Days
Why
Living history experiences
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Explore Historic Rock Ford in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with me! #historytok #history #historynerd #historybuff #historianotiktok
@colleroo
26 likes • 980 views

🎟️ Library Pass Perk

Check with your local Lancaster library for a pass that can grant free admission for up to 4 people! :library:

⏰ Arrive for Tours

Mansion tours are scheduled. Arrive on time to not miss your slot! :stopwatch:

Drawing Historic Rock Ford #lancasterpa #architecture #history #architectureart #art #drawing #federalstyle #pastoral #fyp
@mattsdrawingdesk
52 likes • 774 views
🇺🇸 On Monday, July 28, Historic Rock Ford came alive with Revolutionary spirit during Lafayette Day—a full day of free, family-friendly programming honoring the Marquis de Lafayette’s legacy in Lancaster! Visitors explored the Lafayette in Lancaster exhibit, enjoyed carriage rides, house tours, and a lively Revolutionary War encampment. The day featured reenactors, speakers, sutlers, music, dancin...
americanfriendsoflafayette
43 likes • 703 views

🌳 Explore the Park

Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride in the adjacent Lancaster County Central Park. :hiking_boot:

📸 Photo Opportunities

The grounds offer stunning locations for photos, especially for events. 📷

[SAVE & SHARE] Historic Rock Ford 👇🏾 📍 Lancaster, PA ⏰ Opens to public April 1 Built in 1785 by Dr. Edward Hand, an Irish immigrant, this historic property sits on 33 acres of beautiful woodland. It had an army of enslaved & indentured servants to it. Dr. Hand became a soldier and close confidant of Gen Washington and is seen in famous pictures depicting Washington & his generals. When he died ...
musingsandadventures
22 likes • 647 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Library Pass Perk

Check with your local Lancaster library for a pass that can grant free admission for up to 4 people! :library:

⏰ Arrive for Tours

Mansion tours are scheduled. Arrive on time to not miss your slot! :stopwatch:

🌳 Explore the Park

Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride in the adjacent Lancaster County Central Park. :hiking_boot:

📸 Photo Opportunities

The grounds offer stunning locations for photos, especially for events. 📷

🎨 Art & Antiques

Don't miss the art gallery in the barn for a look at old furniture and clocks. :antique:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(274 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Historic Rock Ford for its beautifully preserved mansion and knowledgeable tour guides. The art gallery and scenic park setting are also highlighted as enjoyable aspects. While some find the art gallery less engaging for younger children, the overall experience is considered enriching and picturesque, especially for history enthusiasts and event planners.

"Beautiful house with very carefully preserved and restored interiors, all the tiny details from tableware to carpeting. The tour guide is knowledgeable and thorough.
Gallery in the shed is also worth a visit if you enjoy old furniture and clocks"

Olga Egorova

"Quaint old mansion with historic gallery located in the adjacent barn. Located within a county park. Great place for a relaxing afternoon or for a hike or biking setting. Probably a great venue for an outdoor wedding or event."

Mike Williams

"History of Rock Ford & Major General Edward Hand. Rock Ford
Owned by Edward Hand, an Adjutant General to George Washington during the American Revolutionary War, this house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 21, 1976. Edward Hand (December 31, 1744 – September 3, 1802) was an Irish-born American army officer and politician who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Rising to the rank of Major General, Hand served as Adjutant General of the Continental Army under George Washington. In Emanuel Leutze's famous painting, "Washington Crossing the Delaware," General Edward Hand is depicted seated and holding his hat within the boat. He is not the central figure, but is recognizable within the group of men surrounding General Washington. General Hand was also one of the Generals present at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown; the key American and French generals present were George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and the Comte de Rochambeau. Cornwallis himself did not attend the surrender ceremony, citing illness, and instead sent his second-in-command, General Charles O'Hara, to surrender on his behalf. Washington, in turn, had his second-in-command, General Benjamin Lincoln, accept the sword of surrender from O'Hara.
After the war, Hand retired to farm his estate, Rock Ford, and served in the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Lancaster city government. George and Martha Washington visited the Edward Hand’s Rock Ford Estate on Independence Day 1891."

Todd Parker MA, MS

What People Like

Beautifully preserved interiors
Knowledgeable tour guides
Scenic park location

What People Dislike

Gallery not for young kids

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Historic Rock Ford is located within Lancaster County Central Park. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors use GPS navigation to find the park entrance. For those coming from further afield, consider checking local public transport options or ride-sharing services. TikTok

Absolutely! Historic Rock Ford makes for a perfect day trip. You can explore the mansion, the art gallery, and enjoy the surrounding parkland. Many visitors combine it with other attractions in Lancaster County. Instagram

There is generally ample parking available at Historic Rock Ford, especially within Lancaster County Central Park. This makes it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Information on public transportation to Historic Rock Ford can vary. It's best to check the local Lancaster County transit schedules for routes that service Lancaster County Central Park. TikTok

While the grounds are generally accessible, the historic mansion may have limitations due to its age. It's recommended to contact Historic Rock Ford directly to inquire about specific accessibility features for tours and exhibits. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary, and it's always best to check the official Historic Rock Ford website for the most current pricing. Remember to inquire about potential discounts or special offers, like the Lancaster library pass which can offer free admission for up to four people. Reddit

Typically, a ticket to Historic Rock Ford includes a guided tour of the Hand Mansion and access to the art gallery located in the adjacent barn. Special events may have separate admission fees. Reddit

Historic Rock Ford offers guided tours of the mansion from April through October. It's crucial to check their official website for specific daily operating hours and tour times, as these can change. Instagram

While not always mandatory, booking mansion tours in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season or on weekends, to ensure you secure a spot. Reddit

Yes, locals can often utilize a Lancaster library pass for free admission for up to four people. Keep an eye on their social media and website for any other special promotions or free event days. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

At Historic Rock Ford, you can take guided tours of the beautifully preserved 18th-century Hand Mansion, explore the art gallery in the barn with antique furniture, and enjoy the scenic grounds of Lancaster County Central Park. Special events often feature historical reenactments. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Historic Rock Ford sometimes hosts historical reenactments and special events, such as Lafayette Day, which bring the past to life with Revolutionary War encampments and costumed interpreters. TikTokInstagram

While the historic nature of the mansion and gallery might not be ideal for very young children, older children interested in history can find it engaging. The surrounding park offers plenty of space for kids to run around. Reddit

Historic Rock Ford was the home of Major General Edward Hand, who served as Adjutant General to George Washington during the American Revolutionary War. He is even depicted in Emanuel Leutze's famous painting, 'Washington Crossing the Delaware.' Reddit

Photography is generally permitted on the grounds of Historic Rock Ford for personal use. However, specific rules regarding photography inside the mansion or during special events may apply, so it's best to check on-site signage or ask staff. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The historic mansion itself, with its Federal-style architecture, offers beautiful exterior shots. The surrounding parkland and gardens provide scenic backdrops, especially during spring and summer. The art gallery in the barn also presents unique photographic opportunities with its antique displays. InstagramReddit

Typically, flash photography is prohibited inside historic homes to protect the artifacts and interiors. Non-flash photography for personal use is usually allowed, but it's always wise to confirm with staff on the day of your visit. TikTok

Yes, Historic Rock Ford is a popular venue for wedding photography due to its stunning architecture, beautiful grounds, and diverse locations for photos. Many couples choose it for its picturesque setting. Reddit

Architectural photography of the mansion and barn, landscape photography of the park, and historical reenactment photography are popular. Many artists also find inspiration for sketches and drawings here. TikTokInstagram

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset often provide the most flattering light for exterior photography of the mansion and grounds. Weekdays tend to be less crowded, allowing for more relaxed shooting. Instagram

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