History of Lancaster County Pennsylvania

The genealogical importance of Lancaster Pennsylvania cannot be overstated. Organized in 1729 Lancaster was the parent of thirty other counties and therefore many early records of Pennsylvania ultimately date back to Lancaster County. Moreover few U. S. counties hosted such a variety of peoples and religions. Throngs of immigrants came to Lancaster County in the 18th century the two largest groups being the Scotch-Irish and the Germans. Religious denominations included Mennonites Quakers Amish Episcopalians Presbyterians German Baptists Lutherans German Reformed Moravians Catholics the Universalists the Evangelical Association and more. I. Daniel Rupp's History of Lancaster County Pennsylvania documents the origins and development of this hotbed of Pennsylvania genealogy.