“American independence may have been first declared in Philadelphia, but I would argue that American unity found its voice here in York County. So today, we celebrate York’s special place, not just in America’s history, but in America’s DNA.”
Julie Wheeler, York County President Commissioner
As we celebrate America’s semiquincentennial birthday, York’s legacy shines even brighter. Along the way, York County also marked its 276 years of local resilience, innovation and community—further proof that history was, and still is, made here. As the oldest founded credit union in York, we’re excited to be a part of our local history for over 90 years.
History happened here first. Join in our 250 Years Heritage of Freedom $250 Giveaway. Enter July 26 – July 4 (see details below).
York Comes First With Us. And In American History.
THE FIRST CAPITAL OF THE UNITED STATES
When British forces seized Philadelphia in 1777, America’s leaders fled to York, and a frontier town of 1,800 became the nation’s capital from September 30, 1777, to June 27, 1778. While there, Congress met at the York County Court House, erected in 1754.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION
On November 15, 1777, the Articles of Confederation were adopted at the York County Court House. The draft approved in York first formally used the phrase “The United States of America.” The Articles served as the framework of government for the 13 original colonies until 1789.
THE FIRST NATIONAL DAY OF THANKSGIVING
On November 1, 1777, the first National Day of Thanksgiving was proclaimed at the Colonial Courthouse in York by the Second Continental Congress. The proclamation was drafted by a committee that included Samuel Adams. A plaque commemorating this event is located on the first block of East Market Street in York.
THE SIGNING OF AMERICA’S FIRST FOREIGN TREATY, THE ALLIANCE WITH FRANCE
While meeting at the York County Court House, the Continental Congress ratified the Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with France on May 4, 1778. This crucial alliance, secured by Benjamin Franklin, brought essential French money, ships, and troops to the American Revolution.
One County. Countless Ways To Celebrate America250.
AMERICA250PA
Because of Pennsylvania’s leading role in the 250th anniversary of America, on February 26, 2021, America250PA became the first official state partner of the America250 national effort. Learn more about the projects, programs and events planned right here in our own state and in our hometown of York. Go to America250PA.org >
JULY4YORK
York Revolution is hosting a can’t miss America250 Celebration with a post-game York Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Concert and a free dual inside and outside-the-Park fireworks display. Gates open at 4 pm; game time is at 5 pm. Learn more and get tickets now >
“FREEDOM IS NOT FREE” UNFORGETTABLE BIG BANK CONCERT
More than a concert, this will be a celebration of community, history, freedom, and the music that carried a generation of America’s greatest chapters. On July 3, 2026 from 7 to 10 pm, step back in time at the Valencia Ballroom for a vintage World War II USO-style show and canteen, celebrating the unique role York has played in American history.
The Valencia Ballroom is one of the few traditional big band ballrooms still standing in the United States, and its storied stage has hosted some of the greatest names in American music. There is no more fitting place to mark this milestone anniversary.
The evening will feature live big band music by York’s very own Unforgettable Big Band, dancing, and a cash bar. We will honor our nation’s fallen, pay tribute to those who have worn the uniform, and recognize the first responders who keep our community safe every day, including veterans, police, fire, and EMT. 100 percent of profits from the event will benefit charitable local causes supporting veterans and first responders. Watch the trailer, learn more and get your tickets today >
REVOLUTIONARY YORK EXHIBIT
As part of America250, York is celebrating its role with new exhibitions, including “Revolutionary York” at the York County History Center opening July 3, 2026, marking where the U.S. first referred to itself by name. The exhibit will be open through December, 2028. The York County History Center was voted as one of the 10 best new museums in the United States. Visit the York County History Center online here >
BELLS ACROSS YORK COUNTY
See the bells that ring out York’s history. York County is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary (America250PA) by installing six custom-painted fiberglass bells along local rail trails, honoring the county’s role as a 1777 revolutionary capital. These artistic tributes highlight local history and community are part of a statewide initiative placing 108 bells to celebrate the semiquincentennial. Watch the unveiling of the six bells on Fox 43 >
AMERICA250 LIBERTY BELL AT CAMP SECURITY PARK
America250PA established the Semiquincentennial Bell program to place five bronze, permanent commemorative bells across Pennsylvania, highlighting historically significant locations. York County’s new Liberty Bell was dedicated July 9, 2025 at Camp Security, the last remaining Revolutionary War era prison camp, located just east of the City of York in Springettsbury Township. Learn more about the Camp Security Park bell here >
AMERICA250PA “START HERE, AMERICA DID” PODCAST
From Revolutionary War strategy sessions to industrial breakthroughs, from Underground Railroad stops to Olympic arenas, York County’s history is as varied as it is vital to the American story. In this episode, host Sydney Harris sits down with Dan Fink with the York County History Center, to uncover the moments, movements, and people who helped shape both the commonwealth and the nation. Listen to the podcast now >
TOUR THE COLONIAL COURTHOUSE REPLICA
The Colonial Courthouse replica in York, Pennsylvania, located at the York County History Center’s Colonial Complex, is a 1976 reconstruction of the 1754 building where the Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation (1777–1778). The original building was torn down in 1841, and the replica was built for the Bicentennial. Congress met here from September 30, 1977, to June 27, 1778. This site features guided tours seasonally April – November that highlight its role as the nation’s capital during the British occupation of Philadelphia.
AMERICA’S 250TH AT SPRINGETTSBURY PARK
This year is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Join Springettsbury Park on August 19, 2026 for its America250 can’t-miss event to celebrate. There will be live music from Dave Bray USA, stilt walkers, character meet-and-greets, and a drone show! This event is free to the public >
250 THINGS TO DO IN YORK
From historic train rides to walks in the park, visiting a giant shoe-turned-VRBO to drinks on a chic rooftop—York County has all the fun you need to pack your America250 road trip with memories. Farm markets, art galleries, historic sites, parks, family activities, places to eat—you name it! Here are 250 of those most fun things to do right here in York County. Get the list of 250 things to do in York >
Celebrate Freedom’s Local Heritage By Entering Our $250 Giveaway
Jump in the America250 celebration on our social pages June 26 – July 4 for a chance to win a $250 Gift Card. Or you can stop by your local Heritage Valley branch to enter in person.
Click here to go to our Facebook page to enter >
Click here to go to our Instagram page to enter >
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