As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, it’s time to reflect on the captivating tales, insightful discoveries, and extraordinary adventures that have graced the digital pages of Uncharted Lancaster. Our online haven for exploration and local wonders has become a thriving community of avid readers and curious minds.
In 2023, Uncharted Lancaster continued its mission to unearth the Susquehanna Valley’s hidden gems, untold stories, and vibrant spirit. From the quaint corners of historic districts to the breathtaking landscapes that stretch beyond the horizon, our dedicated team has been on a quest to share the essence of Lancaster with the world.
Join us as we unveil the cream of the crop—the top ten most popular blog posts that have resonated with readers and sparked conversations. Each post is a testament to the rich tapestry of experiences that makes our area a truly unique and unforgettable destination.
Whether you are a seasoned local looking to rediscover your roots or an adventurous soul planning your next escapade, this curated list promises to be a journey through the very best Uncharted Lancaster has to offer in 2023.
Number 10
Briar Patch hunt for Lancaster County’s only Mason-Dixon Line Crownstone
Lancaster County has five Mason-Dixon line markers along its southern border. In a previous post, I shared insights about an easily accessible one at the crossroads of Grubbs Corner Road and Pilottown Road. Yet, the adventure didn’t stop there. Another marker hides within the vast expanse of Lancaster Conservancy’s Rock Springs Nature Preserve.
An impenetrable thicket of briars thwarted my first attempt to locate this mysterious boundary marker. Undeterred, armed with thicker pants and sturdy leather work gloves, I embarked on a second attempt. Success was sweet, for hidden within the wild tangle was a remarkable “crownstone” — a more significant monument marking every fifth mile of the Mason-Dixon line.
These crownstones aren’t your average mile markers; they bear two coats of arms. On the Pennsylvania side, you will find the dignified coat of arms belonging to William Penn, while on the opposing face, the emblem of Maryland’s founding Calvert family stands proudly.
Curious to see the triumph over the briar patch and witness the grandeur of the crownstone? Follow the link to discover the precise location and explore a high-resolution LiDAR scan capturing every intricate detail of this historical monument: Uncover the Hidden Crownstone. Lace-up your virtual boots, and let’s journey together through the captivating history etched into Lancaster’s landscapes. Click here to read more.
Number 9
Side Quest: How to Access the Safe Harbor Bridge Trestle
June 2022 marked the grand unveiling of the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge, and let me assure you—it’s every bit worth its $9 million price tag. Offering breathtaking panoramic views, this architectural marvel showcases the beauty of the Susquehanna River, the imposing Safe Harbor dam, the Columbia and Port Deposit Railroad, the scenic expanse of York County, and the intriguing petroglyph-covered rocks of Big Indian Rock and Little Indian Rock.
This historic bridge was constructed in 1905 for the Atglen and Susquehanna Branch, also known as the “Low-Grade Branch,” of the Pennsylvania Railroad. It was designed to accommodate two fully loaded trains on its upper and lower decks. For nearly a century, it played a pivotal role in the region’s economic development until its abandonment in 1988, with the final train crossing its expanse on December 19, 1989. In 2012, Manor Township took ownership of the bridge, paving the way for an ambitious restoration project that commenced in February 2015 and concluded with the bridge’s triumphant reopening in June 2022.
Here are some fascinating facts about this colossal structure:
- It stands as the third-highest trestle bridge in the U.S., soaring 150 feet high.
- Ranking as the second-longest trestle bridge in Pennsylvania, it spans an impressive 1,560 feet long.
- The restoration project, which demanded 2,170 tons of concrete, came with a total cost of $9 million.
For those eager to tread the path to this architectural wonder, I’ve outlined four access options below, ranging from the quickest to the most leisurely. So, gear up for an adventure and explore the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge in all its glory! Click here to read more.
Number 8
Grave Money: Why do some tombstones have coins on them?
In our family, we’ve always been the type to pick up loose change—yes, even during a pandemic. Recently, during a visit to a graveyard, my son’s keen eye spotted coins resting on a tombstone, sparking the thought that we should collect them. However, I gently advised him to leave them be, explaining that these coins held a special significance.
According to various sources, the tradition of leaving coins on headstones carries profound meaning, especially in the context of honoring deceased soldiers. A penny signifies a thoughtful visitor, while a nickel indicates a shared boot camp experience with the fallen soldier. If you served alongside the soldier, a dime is left, and a quarter signifies that you were present when the soldier made the ultimate sacrifice.
Remarkably, this tradition extends beyond military personnel. Visitors from all walks of life participate in this poignant custom, leaving these small tokens as a universal symbol of remembrance and respect. It’s a silent gesture, speaking volumes to all who pass by—a tangible way of expressing that the individual buried there is cherished and remembered.
This practice of leaving money with the departed has roots reaching back to ancient Greece, where coins were placed inside the mouths or over the eyes of the deceased during burial. The belief was that the departed souls needed these coins to pay the ferryman, Charon, who would transport them across the river Styx to the underworld known as Hades.
Intrigued by the intersection of ancient rituals and modern traditions, the act of leaving coins on tombstones emerges as a timeless symbol—a small yet powerful gesture that transcends time and cultural boundaries in expressing our enduring connection to those who have passed. Click here to read more.
Number 7
Side Quest: Artifact Hunt for a Mason-Dixon Line Stone Marker
A border dispute involving Maryland and Pennsylvania prompted the meticulous efforts of surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon from 1763 to 1767. Their task? To definitively delineate the borders of these three states, resolving a disagreement that had its roots almost a century earlier in the complex proprietary grants by King Charles I to Lord Baltimore (Maryland) and King Charles II to William Penn (Pennsylvania).
The outcome of their labor was the renowned Mason–Dixon Line, marked by stones at every mile and distinguished “crownstones” every five miles, all crafted from stones imported from England. Bearing the unmistakable inscriptions “M” for Maryland and “P” for Pennsylvania, these markers became symbols of territorial clarity. Crownstones, featuring two coats of arms added a touch of heraldic grandeur to the landscape. While the original stones may have weathered the years, with some missing or buried, many still stand as tangible echoes of this historic demarcation.
In 1784, surveyors David Rittenhouse and Andrew Ellicott, accompanied by their dedicated crew, completed the Mason–Dixon line survey, stretching all the way to the southwest corner of Pennsylvania. For those intrigued by the story of Lancaster’s favorite surveyor, Andrew Ellicott, a deeper dive awaits—just click here to explore more. Further west, additional surveyors continued the line’s extension to the Ohio River. Notably, the Mason–Dixon Line underwent subsequent surveys in 1849, 1900, and the 1960s, ensuring its accuracy and endurance through the centuries.
Lancaster County, situated along this historic boundary, proudly hosts as many as five stone markers along its southern border, each quietly narrating a chapter of the region’s rich history. Click here to read more.
Number 6
Unraveling the Myth: Were the Susquehannocks True Giants?
In the annals of Captain John Smith’s encounters with the Susquehannock Indians during his 1608 voyage up the Chesapeake Bay, a fascinating narrative emerges—one that paints these indigenous people as giants. According to Smith, the warriors were described with awe-inspiring measurements, with one calf purportedly measuring a staggering 27 inches in circumference. The lingering question remains: Were the Susquehannocks indeed true giants?
Marshall Becker’s meticulous 1991 research delves into this historical puzzle. While his findings confirm that the 16th-century Susquehannocks were taller than many Native Americans of their time, the reality doesn’t quite match Smith’s vivid descriptions. Becker’s forensic analysis of 13 complete Susquehannock skeletons, along with long bones from 18 others, revealed that the males averaged around 5 feet, 7 inches, while the women stood at 5 feet, 3 inches tall. While not exceptionally tall by modern standards—especially compared to the average height of a male in the United States today—the Susquehannocks’ height was noteworthy for their era, nearly four inches taller than the average Englishman in the 1600s.
Becker suggests that the Susquehannocks’ stature could be attributed to their high-protein, maize-based diet. The notion of them as giants might have been further exaggerated when malnourished Europeans stood alongside the well-fed Susquehannocks. While Smith’s accounts may have portrayed these indigenous people as towering figures, the Susquehannocks’ true giants might have only existed in the imaginative heights of John Smith’s perception. Click here to read more.
Number 5
Jewel of the Susquehanna: $2,000 Treasure Hunting Adventure
Excitement was in the air last spring when the highly anticipated Uncharted Lancaster treasure hunt made its triumphant return for the third consecutive year, inviting adventurers to partake in the “Quest for the Jewel of the Susquehanna.” This immersive and rewarding challenge had $2,000 in cash prizes awaiting the four winning teams at the contest’s end. Gather your wits, rally your team, and get ready to dive into the adventure of a lifetime. The jewel awaits—will you be the one to uncover its secrets and claim the treasure? Click here to read about the Jewel of the Susquehanna Treasure Hunt.
For those who missed the chance at fortune and glory this past year, the excitement is far from over. I’m currently immersed in the planning stage of the upcoming 2024 treasure hunt—introducing the “Raiders of the Golden Osprey Adventure.” Brace yourself for a thrilling five-week expedition featuring a staggering $3,000 up for grabs, enticing weekly cash prizes, and multiple avenues to claim victory. Get ready to embark on what is shaping up to be the most exhilarating treasure hunt yet! Stay tuned for details, and mark your calendars for an unforgettable adventure that promises excitement at every turn. The quest for the Golden Osprey awaits—prepare to make history! Click the link to pre-order your treasure diary.
Furthermore, I am looking for someone to share in an adventure! Click here if you are interested in sponsoring the 2024 treasure hunt, with proceeds benefiting the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County.
Number 4
River Monsters of the Susquehanna Deeps
Approximately 15 years ago, during a captivating tour of Safe Harbor Dam as part of the Hands-on History of Lancaster County course at Millersville University, an unexpected narrative surfaced—one that plunged us into the mysterious waters behind the dam. Our guide, a retired dam employee, regaled us with a chilling story about periodic dives undertaken to remove sizable underwater debris, such as sunken trees. However, one diver’s encounter went beyond the routine tasks and led to an abrupt resignation.
The diver emerged from the murky depths with a startling revelation—a claim of encountering a creature of immense proportions, one large enough to pose a threat. While such tales are not uncommon around hydroelectric dams across the country, this particular account might carry a kernel of truth.
Consider this: catfish, residents of these waters, possess the remarkable ability to keep growing throughout their lives. Influenced by factors like water temperature and food availability, these underwater giants can attain astonishing sizes. In water temperatures exceeding 70°F, catfish become avid feeders, potentially experiencing rapid growth given abundant sustenance.
What sets Safe Harbor Dam apart from the rest? A nearby claim to fame—the state record-holding catfish, a colossal specimen weighing in at 66 pounds and 4 ounces, caught just a stone’s throw away.
Could there be more to this seemingly fishy tale? Click the link to delve deeper into the depths of the Safe Harbor Dam and uncover the truth behind the intriguing narrative. Read More.
Number 3
Hell’s Funnel and the Tragedy of Strasburg’s Sides Mill
In November of 1935, a grim story unfolded along Sides Mill Road outside Strasburg, Pennsylvania, that would forever haunt the landscape. Lifelong miller Frank Sides met a grisly end within the walls of his father’s mill, a fate so horrific it seemed like the stuff of nightmares. His untimely death became the inspiration for the Hell’s Funnel of Strasburg urban legend.
However, the actual events of what happened are exponentially more terrible than the ghost story that persists today. Click to read both, and let me know which you prefer—the legend or the actual story.
Number 2
A penny saved is $3,500 earned. Meet the 1787 Benjamin Franklin designed Fugio cent
If I could share a beer with anyone, past or present, it would undoubtedly be Benjamin Franklin. Echoing the sentiments of French economist and statesman Anne Robert Jacques Turgot, who fittingly declared, “He seized the lightning from Heaven and the scepter from the Tyrants,” Franklin’s remarkable legacy transcends time.
Beyond his feats of protecting buildings from lightning strikes and contributing to the cause of American freedom, Franklin also left his mark on currency design. One curious reader reached out to me with a copper coin conundrum—the Fugio cent, also known as the Franklin cent. This unique penny holds the distinction of being the first official circulation coin of the United States, minted for a single year in 1787, with a modest production of 398,577.
Unveiling the rarity of a coin designed by the founding father himself, it’s no surprise that the Fugio cent holds a value far beyond its face. In January 2022, a circulated version of this historical coin fetched $1,575, while an uncirculated counterpart commanded an impressive $3,500 on eBay. Dive into the intriguing story of this numismatic gem by clicking the link and uncovering more about the Benjamin Franklin-designed Fugio cent. Click here to read more.
Number 1
Witchcraft and Murder in Hex Hollow
On the ominous night of Thanksgiving Eve in 1928, the quiet area of Rehmeyer Hollow near Red Lion in York County, PA, bore witness to a tale of horror that would shroud the nation in a chilling veil of fear. Three men, driven by a web of misunderstandings and ignorance, stormed into the home of Nelson Rehmeyer, leaving behind a gruesome scene that would echo through history.
John Blymire, a man grappling with the harsh blows of life, sought solace in the practices of the old Pennsylvania Dutch religion of Pow-Wows. Joining forces with Nellie Noll, the River Witch of Marietta, Blymire embarked on a desperate quest for answers. The Pennsylvania Dutch folk magic, rooted in The Long Lost Friend, offered remedies and charms to cure ailments—a path that would lead Blymire down a dark trajectory.
Convinced that Rehmeyer held the key to his troubles, Blymire, fueled by Noll’s instructions, orchestrated a horrifying plan. Recruiting two young accomplices, John Curry and Wilbert Hess, the trio entered Rehmeyer’s abode, demanding the sought-after book and resorting to violence when met with resistance. Tragically, their actions resulted in the bludgeoning and brutal death of Rehmeyer, his body set ablaze in a twisted attempt to break the alleged curse.
In the aftermath, the charred remnants of Rehmeyer’s house stood frozen in time, forever marked by the heinous events of that night. Blymire, Curry, and Hess faced justice, were found guilty, and sentenced to life behind bars. Paroled later, they returned to normal lives, leaving Hex Hollow—a place now owned by Rehmeyer’s great-grandson—to bear witness to the lingering echoes of a gruesome tale that unfolded on that fateful Thanksgiving Eve. Click the link to delve deeper into the dark chapters of Witchcraft and Murder in Hex Hollow.
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William Wagner’s 1821 Map of Lancaster CountyPrice range: $24.99 through $44.99
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1864 Map of the City of Lancaster, PennsylvaniaPrice range: $21.99 through $25.99
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