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Wrightsville History

Wrightsville is a borough located in York County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The area where Wrightsville is situated was first settled by European colonizers in the early 18th century. It was initially known as Wright's Ferry, named after its founder, John Wright, who established a ferry service across the Susquehanna River in 1730.

In the late 18th century, Wright's Ferry became an important crossing point for travelers and commerce, serving as a key link between the eastern and western regions of Pennsylvania. The town grew rapidly, and in 1814, it was incorporated as the Borough of Wrightsville.

During the American Civil War, Wrightsville played a significant role in the Confederate invasion of Pennsylvania. In 1863, Confederate forces under General John B. Gordon advanced towards the Susquehanna River in an attempt to capture Harrisburg, the state capital. Wrightsville, being a strategic river crossing point, became a crucial target for the Confederate forces.

In response, Union troops, including the 20th Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia, were stationed in Wrightsville to defend the town and prevent the Confederates from crossing the river. A skirmish ensued on June 28, 1863, resulting in the destruction of the bridge connecting Wrightsville to Columbia on the opposite bank of the Susquehanna River. This prevented the Confederate forces from crossing the river and effectively ended their advance towards Harrisburg.

Following the war, Wrightsville continued to thrive as a transportation hub, with the construction of railroads and the growth of the local manufacturing industry. Today, Wrightsville remains a small, tight-knit community with a rich history and strong ties to its past. The town is home to several historic landmarks and attractions, including the John Wright Restaurant, which was established in 1786 and is believed to be one of the oldest continuously operated taverns in the United States.

Wrightsville Top Tourist Attractions

• John Wright Restaurant: As mentioned earlier, the John Wright Restaurant is a historic landmark in Wrightsville and a popular destination for tourists. The restaurant serves modern American cuisine and features outdoor dining with beautiful views of the Susquehanna River.
• Wrightsville-Columbia Bridge: While the original bridge was destroyed during the Civil War, the current Wrightsville-Columbia Bridge is a popular attraction for its picturesque views of the river and surrounding countryside.
• Susquehanna Riverlands: The Susquehanna Riverlands is a beautiful park with miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and a variety of wildlife. The park is located just a short drive from Wrightsville and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
• Indian Steps Museum: Located just a few miles south of Wrightsville, the Indian Steps Museum features a collection of Native American artifacts and exhibits. The museum is named after a set of natural rock steps along the Susquehanna River that were once used by Native Americans to cross the river.
• Maple Lawn Farms: Maple Lawn Farms is a family-owned farm located just outside of Wrightsville. Visitors can pick their own fruits and vegetables, enjoy hayrides, and explore the farm's corn maze during the fall season.
• Harley-Davidson Factory Tour: Just a short drive from Wrightsville, visitors can take a guided tour of the Harley-Davidson factory in York, Pennsylvania. The tour takes visitors behind the scenes to see how Harley-Davidson motorcycles are made.

Wrightsville Climate

Wrightsville, Pennsylvania, has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. The average high temperature in the summer months (June-August) is around 85°F (29°C), while the average low temperature in the winter months (December-February) is around 22°F (-6°C).

The area receives an average of around 42 inches (1,067 mm) of precipitation each year, with the majority falling as rain during the summer months. Snowfall is common in the winter months, with an average of around 28 inches (71 cm) of snowfall per year.

Overall, Wrightsville has four distinct seasons, with mild spring and fall seasons and hot summers and cold winters. Visitors to Wrightsville should be prepared for a range of weather conditions depending on the season of their visit.

Wrightsville Geography

Wrightsville is a borough located in York County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The borough is situated on the eastern bank of the Susquehanna River, which forms the border between York County and Lancaster County to the east. The town of Columbia, located in Lancaster County, is located directly across the river from Wrightsville.

Wrightsville covers an area of approximately 0.6 square miles (1.5 square kilometers) and is situated at an elevation of around 370 feet (113 meters) above sea level. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, with the Susquehanna River providing a scenic backdrop.

Wrightsville is located approximately 35 miles (56 kilometers) southeast of Harrisburg, the capital city of Pennsylvania, and around 90 miles (145 kilometers) northwest of Baltimore, Maryland. The town is easily accessible by car via U.S. Route 30, which runs east-west through the region.