Introduction to Adams County, Pennsylvania
Adams County is located in the south-central region of Pennsylvania, bordering the state of Maryland to the south. Established in 1800, the county was named after John Adams, the second president of the United States. Adams County is renowned for its historical significance, particularly for the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most pivotal battles of the American Civil War. The county is surrounded by Cumberland County to the north, York County to the east, and Franklin County to the west.
The county experiences a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The economy of Adams County has historically been based on agriculture, and the region is known for its apple orchards and annual National Apple Harvest Festival. Today, the county has a population of approximately 103,000 people, many of whom live in small towns and rural communities.
- County Seat: Gettysburg
- Number of Cities and Towns: 9
- Major School Districts: Gettysburg Area School District, Conewago Valley School District, Bermudian Springs School District, Upper Adams School District, Littlestown Area School District
Gettysburg
City Overview
Gettysburg, the county seat of Adams County, is a small town with immense historical significance. Located in the central part of the county, Gettysburg was founded in 1786 and is best known as the site of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. This three-day battle, which took place in July 1863, was a turning point in the war and is commemorated by the Gettysburg National Military Park. The town also witnessed Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address later that year.
Gettysburg experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. In addition to its historical importance, the town is home to Gettysburg College, a prominent liberal arts college. Major landmarks include the Gettysburg National Cemetery, the Seminary Ridge Museum, and the Eisenhower National Historic Site, the former home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
City Facts
- Population: 7,685 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 2,100 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 17325
- Road Network: U.S. Route 15, U.S. Route 30
- Nearest Airports: Harrisburg International Airport
- Libraries: Adams County Library – Gettysburg Branch
- Hospitals: WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital
Major Schools
Gettysburg is served by the Gettysburg Area School District. Gettysburg Area High School (grades 9-12) enrolls around 850 students and offers a diverse curriculum, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, honors classes, and vocational training. Gettysburg Middle School serves students in grades 6-8, while James Gettys Elementary and Lincoln Elementary serve younger students (K-5). In addition, Gettysburg College provides higher education opportunities to over 2,400 students, offering a range of undergraduate programs.
Littlestown
City Overview
Littlestown is a small town located in the southern part of Adams County, near the Maryland border. Founded in 1765 by Peter Klein (Little), the town was originally called “Petersburg” but was later renamed Littlestown in honor of its founder. Historically, Littlestown has been a farming community, but its proximity to the Mason-Dixon Line made it a key stop for travelers and traders during colonial times.
Littlestown enjoys a typical humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The town’s major landmarks include St. Aloysius Catholic Church and historic homes from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Littlestown Area Historical Society works to preserve the town’s history and organizes events that celebrate its heritage.
City Facts
- Population: 4,634 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 2,000 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 17340
- Road Network: State Route 97, State Route 194
- Nearest Airports: Harrisburg International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Airport
- Libraries: Littlestown Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Gettysburg (WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital)
Major Schools
Littlestown is part of the Littlestown Area School District. Littlestown Senior High School (grades 9-12) enrolls approximately 500 students and offers a variety of academic programs, including career and technical education and college prep courses. Littlestown Middle School serves grades 6-8, while Rolling Acres Elementary and Alloway Creek Elementary serve students in grades K-5. The district focuses on providing a balanced education, promoting both academic excellence and community involvement.
New Oxford
City Overview
New Oxford is located in eastern Adams County and was founded in 1792. The town was historically a center for manufacturing and agriculture and remains known today for its antique shops and charming downtown area. New Oxford’s town square is a hub of activity, hosting various festivals and community events throughout the year. The town also played a small role during the Gettysburg Campaign of the Civil War.
New Oxford experiences hot summers and cold winters, typical of central Pennsylvania. Key landmarks in the town include the New Oxford Train Station, which reflects the town’s railroad history, and the historic houses that line the streets. The annual New Oxford Antique Market & Craft Show is a popular event, drawing visitors from across the region.
City Facts
- Population: 1,814 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 1,900 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 17350
- Road Network: U.S. Route 30, State Route 94
- Nearest Airports: Harrisburg International Airport
- Libraries: New Oxford Area Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Gettysburg (WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital)
Major Schools
New Oxford is served by the Conewago Valley School District. New Oxford High School (grades 9-12) enrolls approximately 1,100 students and offers a comprehensive range of courses, including honors and AP classes. New Oxford Middle School serves students in grades 6-8, while Conewago Township Elementary and New Oxford Elementary serve younger students (K-5). The district emphasizes the importance of academic success, while also encouraging students to engage in extracurricular activities like sports, drama, and music programs.
East Berlin
City Overview
East Berlin is a small town located in the northeastern part of Adams County. Founded in 1764, the town has a rich history that dates back to colonial times. East Berlin is known for its well-preserved architecture, and several buildings in the town are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town played a minor role in the Civil War, serving as a passageway for Confederate troops en route to Gettysburg.
East Berlin experiences the same seasonal climate as the rest of the county, with warm summers and cold winters. The town’s historical significance is showcased through landmarks such as the East Berlin Historic District, the Berlin Hotel, and the East Berlin Academy. The East Berlin Community Library also serves as a cultural hub for the town.
City Facts
- Population: 1,521 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 1,600 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 17316
- Road Network: State Route 234, State Route 94
- Nearest Airports: Harrisburg International Airport
- Libraries: East Berlin Community Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Gettysburg (WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital)
Major Schools
East Berlin is part of the Bermudian Springs School District. Bermudian Springs High School (grades 9-12) enrolls around 700 students and provides a wide variety of academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses and vocational training. Bermudian Springs Middle School serves grades 6-8, while Bermudian Springs Elementary School serves grades K-5. The district is dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community and academic excellence, with numerous extracurricular opportunities available to students.
Fairfield
City Overview
Fairfield is a small town located in the southwestern part of Adams County, near the Maryland border. Founded in 1801, Fairfield played a notable role during the Battle of Gettysburg, with Confederate troops passing through the area on their way to and from the battlefield. Today, the town is a peaceful community known for its scenic landscapes and proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities in the South Mountain region.
Fairfield experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. Major landmarks include the Fairfield Inn, one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the country, and several 19th-century churches. The town is also close to Liberty Mountain Resort, a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.
City Facts
- Population: 507 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 1,000 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 17320
- Road Network: State Route 116
- Nearest Airports: Harrisburg International Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Gettysburg
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Gettysburg (WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital)
Major Schools
Fairfield is part of the Fairfield Area School District. Fairfield Area High School (grades 9-12) enrolls approximately 300 students and offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including agriculture education, sports teams, and arts programs. Fairfield Area Middle School serves grades 6-8, while Fairfield Area Elementary School provides education for grades K-5. The district prides itself on small class sizes and personalized attention for students.