Historic Rock Ford Plantation

Rock Ford Plantation stands on the wooded banks of the Conestoga River, 1 mile South of Lancaster. Two centuries ago, no bridges spanned the nearby Conestoga River. Therefore, one forded the Conestoga at a spot with rock outcroppings. This location is the most likely origin of the name "Rock Ford".

Edward Hand purchased the "plantation tract of land" in two transactions: 160 acres in 1785, and 17 additional acres in 1792. The old term for a farm under cultivation was "plantation". Built circa 1794, the Georgian style brick mansion remains remarkably preserved and essentially unchanged architecturally. Rock Ford's spacious four floors conform to the same plan -- a center hall and four corner rooms -- typical of the period. Visitors walk the original 18th century floors and see original rails, shutters, doors, cupboards, paneling, and windowpanes.

While owned by the Hand family, the property was a working farm with fields, livestock, and extensive orchards. Edward Hand is remembered for introducing a type of plum, which subsequently bore his name. By the late 1790's, in addition to the mansion, the plantation boasted a tenant house, springhouse, two barns, and numerous outbuildings.

On July 4, 1791, General and Mrs. Hand entertained George Washington for tea during the President's visit to Lancaster. Although the precise location of this tea was not contemporaneously documented, it was traditionally believed to have taken place at Rock Ford Plantation.

General Hand's own estate inventory was instrumental both in locating specific articles from his residency and in furnishing the rooms. Archaeological excavations in the surrounding grounds have unearthed well preserved artifacts, in addition to foundations of outbuildings mentioned in tax records. Built after Hand's return from the Revolutionary War, Rock Ford Plantation remains an authentic example of refined country living as it existed during the early years of the Republic.

Explore Related Categories