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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mansion tours available

Historic Rock Ford Lancaster
Best Time
Mansion tours available

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the 18th-century plantation home of Revolutionary War hero Major General Edward Hand.
"Beautiful house with very carefully preserved and restored interiors, all the tiny details from tableware to carpeting."

🎟️ 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:

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 274 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Hand Mansion
Main House
Step back in time in this meticulously preserved 18th-century plantation home.

Historic Art Gallery
Adjacent Barn
Discover antique furniture and clocks, offering a glimpse into colonial life.

Revolutionary Spirit
Grounds
Experience history brought to life with reenactments and exhibits, especially during special events.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tours
Beyond the Mansion
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ 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. 📷
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
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.'
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit