York Commemorates the Continental Congress. A new exhibition, “Revolutionary York,” opened for a 2 ½ year run at the York County History Center on July 3. The exhibition gives a broad overview of the Revolutionary War with a particular focus on the effect of the Revolution on York and its citizens. Exhibits show a timeline of Revolutionary era events and discuss topics such as how the struggle for Independence came to York and war products produced at nearby Codorus and Mary Ann furnaces. Artifacts on display include cannon balls produced at local ironworks, a locally produced rifle, powder horn, and an example of an oath of allegiance signed by a local resident.
The exhibition places a particular focus on two major events that took place in York during the nine months of the winter of 1777 and spring of 1778, when it served as capital of the United States while British troops occupied Philadelphia. The first event was the approval of the Articles of Confederation, the document that created a confederation of what had previously been 13 separate colonies and provided the governing framework for the United States until the Constitution was approved. The exhibition includes several artifacts from the original statehouse, where the Articles were approved as well as a copy of the Articles and other documents.
The second major event was the Conway Cabal, a loose conspiracy of disgruntled officers in Washington’s army that discussed replacing George Washington as commander of American armies with Horatio Gates, who had led an American army that secured the surrender of an entire British army at Saratoga. The plot was punctured when Washington’s protégé, the Marquis de Lafayette, got wind of it and proposed a toast to Washington at a gathering of officers. “Gentlemen, there is one you have forgotten. I propose a toast to our commander in chief, General Washington. May he remain at the head of the Army until independence is won.”
Lafayette’s power move exposed the conspiracy and forced the conspirators to renounce their talks and pledge their undying support for their “beloved” commander in chief. The most serious challenge to Washington’s leadership had passed.
The county also conducted a county-wide “Bells Across York County” event at noon on July 4. This periodic event invites churches, businesses, and residents to ring bells simultaneously at noon to mark milestone celebrations, such as America’s 250th birthday. It is a massive county-wide tradition accompanied by factory whistle concerts and historic bell-ringing ceremonies. A key feature of the ceremony was the public ringing of the historic “York’s Liberty Bell,” which was originally hung in York’s courthouse in 1776. It’s now located in The St. John Episcopal Church and is rung publicly during Independence Day and other major civic holidays.
As part of the statewide “Bells Across Pennsylvania” initiative, York County installed seven uniquely designed, artist-painted commemorative bells at public spots. The first was installed at the New Freedom railroad station.
Great Article. Many people don’t know York was the Capitol
of our nation for several months. That the Articles of Confederation were born there.