York Inter-State Fair
West Manchester Township, York County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Recognized as America's oldest agricultural fair, dating its origin from a charter issued by the Penns in 1765. Discontinued after 1815, the fair has been conducted annually since 1853 by the York County Agricultural Society. The present ground has been used since 1888.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
The York fair traces its origin to a charter granted by the Penn family in 1765, making it a claimant to the title of America's oldest agricultural fair. After lapsing in 1815, it was revived in 1853 by the York County Agricultural Society and has run every year since, settling onto its present grounds in 1888. For generations it has gathered farmers to show livestock, crops, and the season's best work.
Why it matters
The fair reflects the deep agricultural roots of Pennsylvania's German farm country and the enduring civic tradition of the county fair in American rural life.
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Themes & tags
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