The Susquehanna National Heritage Area is nationally significant for it’s natural resources, historic past, and cultural diversity. The region is home to a great diversity of plant and animal life. Many woodland creatures live in the dense forests of South-Central Pennsylvania, and birds find shelter and food in these wooded areas and fish live in the many rivers that flow through the region. The local communities across York and Lancaster are important to understanding the region. The natural resources are shaped around community involvement. Large parks are common around neighborhoods and cities. Local residents value the natural resources of their area, and as a result, the government has made many areas very open for public use. Many of these parks allow for hiking, fishing, hunting, and kayaking.
In addition to understanding the geography and ecology of the region, it is important to understand the historic significance of this area. Both Lancaster and York were significant places locations during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Across these counties, you can find many buildings or other landmarks that tell stories of events from these times. Many of the old buildings that remain have been converted into informational centers, hotels, or museums. Additionally, reenacting has become fairly common. Many residents feel a sense of pride regarding their ancestors’ roles in these past wars and enjoy reenacting the hardships they went through and the bravery they fought with. The SNHA was also shaped by the culture brought by early German immigrants. The Pennsylvania Dutch were a significant group in Pennsylvania’s history and still coexist with the rest of the area’s residents today. In Lancaster County, one of the largest Amish communities in America can be found. This is a hot spot for tourism in the area. Additionally, a large Mennonite community is still present in Lancaster today. Understanding these various components of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area is vital for understanding the region as a whole.
Key 1: Geography
One of the keys to understanding the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, is understanding the geography of the region. The region includes York and Lancaster counties in South-Central Pennsylvania. Much of the area’s land is covered by forests and hills. There are many lakes and streams, but the area primarily drains to the Susquehanna River. The geography of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area helps tie together the cultural, recreational, and historic aspects of the region. The combination of mountains, forests, and rivers allow for a great diversity of wildlife in the area. The Susquehanna National Heritage Area is lower ground when compared to the rest of Pennsylvania. The region is separated by the Susquehanna River which runs South through Pennsylvania. Because this region of Pennsylvania is lower than the rest of the state, drainage is an important consideration. There are many bodies of water in the area because of this. This has cultural impacts through recreational activities such as kayaking and fishing in local lakes. An example of this is Lake Redman and Lake Williams. These lakes are popular spots for residents of the area to fish and rent out kayaks or canoes. Additionally, this landscape and wildlife affected the Native American life and culture in the area and played a large role in the wars that were fought on the land. Understanding the region holistically starts with understanding the geography of the region.
Key 2: Wildlife
The Susquehanna National Heritage Area is home to a plethora of animal life supported by the forest ecosystems in the region. The area has a large deer population, which plays a large cultural role in the area as hunting is a common activity in Southern Pennsylvania. In addition to deer, other woodland creatures such as bears, foxes, groundhogs, skunks, and squirrels are commonly seen in neighborhoods and towns. The area also supports many bird species, notably, a large population of wild turkeys and bald eagles (PGC). This wildlife was an important part of early American culture. A large export from America in its colonial years was fur, often from the animals listed above. Even before the British colonization of the area, the Native Americans in the region relied on these animals for many uses. In addition to being a food source for the Native Americans, the animals were also used for clothing and building tools and small structures. We can explore the wildlife of the area today by seeing them along the many trails and woodlands open to the public. Additionally, there are many places designated for teaching the public more about the region’s wildlife. For example, Nixon Park has an indoor exhibit of taxidermy wildlife along with written information and informational sessions you can attend to learn more.
Key 3: Woodlands
The area has many wooded regions. These forests are generally mixed oak forests that contain trees such as northern red oak, chestnut oak, shagbark hickory, red maple, and tulip poplar (DCNR). The diversity and pervasiveness of tree species are not only important to ornithologists in the area. As we mentioned earlier, many creatures rely on these woodlands for their homes. The forests that define an important part of this region’s essence support the rich ecology of the area that was necessary for the historic and cultural roots that formed in York and Lancaster. The importance of these woodlands has been recognized by the community broadly, and so they have been well preserved and are often accessible to the public. One example of the importance of these wooded regions to the community can be seen during the hunting season. The state of Pennsylvania gives highschoolers off school when the hunting season begins in Pennsylvania so that they can participate. Hunting is not only allowed, but encouraged by the government to regulate the large population of White-Tailed Deer (the state animal) that are supported by the woodlands. Understanding the woodlands of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area is a key for understanding the region as a whole as the woodlands play a role in the history, culture, and ecology of the area.
Key 4: Natural Resources
The region has some metal and mineral resources mined by quarries in area, however, the main wealth of the area is in the form of coal, oil, and natural gas. These resources have been influential in the shaping of the community and the drivers of local economies in the area. This key to the region helps explain the political landscape of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. The natural resources of the area led to the formation of many factories and manufacturing plants since it is cheaper to be close to the raw materials being used. As a result, this region, and Pennsylvania more broadly, has historically been very concerned with any policy that impacts manufacturing and the coal industry. Policy initiatives such as the Marcellus Shale project for example, have been sources of heavy debate. The manufacturing and energy sector jobs have always been a large part of the community, so initiatives to boost these industries carry much sway in politics. These feelings have also led to pushback against environmental regulation policies. Regulations that would limit emissions and pollution caused by fracking and manufacturing in the area has a huge impact on the local economy. Through understanding the impact Pennsylvania’s natural resources have played in the history of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, we can better understand the political issues that are important to local communities, and how those issues have shaped the political landscape of the region over time.
Key 5: Industrialization
York and Lancaster’s economies were built through industrialization. Even today, these counties display some of the highest rates of manufacturing jobs in the state. These counties were once full of all sorts of manufacturing including glass, paper, metal, furniture, tools, and many other industries. In addition to these industries, mines and fracking in this area were a relatively large part of the national energy sector. This sector has had a large impact on the land use of the area, and the pollution that has harmed local ecosystems. In addition to serving as a huge part of the region’s economy and having an impact on the land and ecosystem, manufacturing work has and continues to be a great sense of pride for the communities within the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. A prime example of this manufacturing pride can be seen in York Air Conditioning. This company started out locally and now produces air conditioning units for buildings and businesses around the world. York Air Conditioning still takes advantage of the local labor force and keeps many manufacturing jobs in the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. Understanding the importance of industrialization is important for understanding the region. Industrialization shaped how land was used and how the economy grew over time. Today, industrialization still plays a key role in community pride and politics.
Key 6: Revitalization
The process of industrialization had a great impact on the economic growth and cultural development of York and Lancaster. As America entered de-industrialization, this unleashed a new set of changes. Many of the once productive manufacturing plants were shut down and no longer had much use or value. Over time, the site became unusable and polluted, now considered brownfields. Today, there has been a push to clean up the Susquehanna National Heritage Area in a revitalization effort across the two counties. An example of this work is the recent formation of the York County Land Bank Authority. The purpose of this organization is to purchase land that is blighted and make them safe and usable again. Because these locations often include heavy pollution, unstable or hard to remove structures, and dangerous features, businesses do not find it profitable to purchase the land and it is used for nothing. The Land Bank Authority will take care of the costly cleanup of the property so that the land can be usable again and benefit the economy and the community. In addition to this cleanup of blighted property, York and Lancaster have launched various initiatives to generate street art and encourage local businesses to engage with the communities to draw in visitors and new residents.
Key 7: Susquehanna River
The Susquehanna River is where most bodies of water in the area drain into. As a result, the Susquehanna River has always been an important part of the region, and a key to understanding it completely. As the primary flowing source of water in the region, the Susquehanna River was a significant natural feature for Native Americans in the area. We see this exemplified by the petroglyphs such as those found on Big Indian Rock. These drawings showcase depictions of wildlife and people’s names. You can take a Kayak tour of the Susquehanna River to see the petroglyphs and learn more about them in addition to the history of the bridges that span the Susquehanna River. These bridges played significant roles in multiple major wars in American history including the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. The bridges were important locations in these wars as they were the only way to cross the river. Not all of the bridges still stand, but the ruins that remain tell their own story. The Susquehanna River plays a key role in understanding the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. It tells countless stories of the history of the area dating back to early Native Americans. Today the river is open to the public for kayaking and hiking along the nearby hills, and contains a large ecosystem with plentiful wildlife and fish.
Key 8: Community
In many ways, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area was built around the communities that inhabit the region. Many of the natural areas are open to the public for hunting, fishing, biking, and hiking. The community has shown a love for the natural resources of the area, and this has shaped the way they have developed and been preserved over the years. Additionally, engaging the community with the businesses and cities of York and Lancaster has been a primary focus in the region recently. One example of these efforts is the First Friday events that occur in York and Lancaster. On the first Friday of every month, local businesses, artists, musicians, and other performers have stands in the streets (which get blocked off for the event) and residents venture downtown to partake in the activities. The event is designed to provide a fun, social setting for locals to display their skills, crafts, products, and services and get the community engaged in the local culture of the city. Because the culture of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area is so dependent on the culture of the individual communities that make up the area and participate in events, it is key to understand these communities in order to understand the other aspects of the region.
Key 9: War History
The SNHA has a rich history dating back to the founding of America. Many structures that served as estates, hospitals, battlegrounds, and meeting places during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War still stand today. Being on the east coast, Pennsylvania was early to be colonized by the British. Because of this, you will find many moments during the Revolutionary War where significant events occurred in York and Lancaster. There were battles fought here, meetings between leaders, and York even briefly became the US Capitol. During the Civil War, this area was yet again wrapped up in the action. The region was an important location for production for the North and many supplies were housed here. Additionally, the area was taken by the South and in the process, many buildings that still stand today were used as hospitals and for meeting locations. Across the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, there are numerous groups that tell the stories of the various people and events that were relevant to the structures that still stand or once stood in York and Lancaster. For example, the Bonham House stands in York and now serves as a museum. It tells the story of a family that first lived there in the 1870s. If you visit, you will learn more about what life was like here in the 19th century and get to see clothing, furniture, and art of the time.
Key 10: Pennsylvania Dutch
A large part of the region’s heritage was brought from the traditions of German immigrants to the area. Specifically, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area is home to two large groups of Pennsylvania Dutch, the Amish and the Mennonite communities. These groups are distinct for their religious practices, and Lancaster has some of the largest practicing Amish and Mennonite communities in the world. The Amish coexist alongside society in Lancaster. As you drive around the county you will see horse and buggies, furniture stores, quilt shops, farmers’ markets, but not as many power lines as you would see in other counties. The Amish community in Lancaster has a large impact on the area through the tourism it brings in. There are many groups that capitalize on this by offering organized tours and informational talks regarding the Amish lifestyle. One example is the Amish Farm and House. They offer bus tours, explain things like the way the Amish dress, and provide authentic food to try. Understanding the Pennsylvania Dutch, and the Amish specifically, is a key to understanding what makes the Susquehanna National Heritage Area unique. These communities are a significant part of the area’s culture and provide a unique learning opportunity that you can’t find many other places around the world.
A Comparison to the Calumet
The Calumet region is another place that tells its own unique story. Similar to the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, the Calumet region was significantly impacted by industrialization, however, in the Calumet region steel was the primary industry rather than manufacturing more broadly as in the SNHA. When we look at the geographies of these two regions, we see some fundamental differences. The Calumet is known for its varying ecosystems right by each other, such as marshes, dunes, woods, and grasslands. On the other hand, the SNHA is primarily defined by its woodlands and hills. These geographic differences originate from the way the natural formations came to be in these regions. In the SNHA’s case, it was a collision between tectonic plates that gave rise to the hilly terrain, then the climate caused the development and success of the woodland ecosystems. In the Calumet region, the land was the result of a glacier pushing through land then melting over time. In addition to this, the industrial period in the Calumet region had a large impact on shaping bodies of water. Industrial groups were responsible for widening rivers by their factories as well as adding large quantities of debris and trash to form man made land. Culturally, both the Calumet and the SNHA take pride in their industrial and manufacturing roots, however, the communities that exist in these regions are very different. In the SNHA, the Pennsylvania Dutch form a unique cultural identity while in the Calumet, communities are more defined by the industry they formed around rather than the place they immigrated from. These two areas both provide unique cultural, historic, and ecological resources that make them both valuable to explore and helpful in understanding why the other is a significant part of America’s story.
Ways to get Involved in the SNHA
- Attend First Friday in York or Lancaster
- Visit the Lancaster Amish
- Visit Central Market in York
- Hike around Lake Williams
- Visit Chickies Rock
- Take the kayak tour of the petroglyphs
My Personal Reflection
Growing up in York County, I have always loved hiking and seeing wildlife in nature. I had a lot of fun doing more research on the formation of the geography in the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. Additionally, I found natural resources that I had not previously visited, there is so much nature packed into the area and this has really helped me learn more about what I already loved. In addition to the natural resources of the area, I enjoyed thinking more about the cultural and historic significance. By comparing the SNHA to other regions, I realized how unique the history and culture here is. This area played such an important role in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War and many locations still stand to tell those stories. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Dutch community and the Amish have always been of interest to me. I’m glad I have had the opportunity to help others learn more about a region I find truly special.
The Susquehanna National Heritage Area 