Old City Hall, Administrative building in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Old City Hall stands at the intersection of King and Queen Streets, featuring red brick construction with white stone accents and a central clock tower. The structure, completed in 1795, defines the character of Lancaster's historic downtown area.
The building was completed in 1795 and served as Lancaster's administrative center during the city's brief time as Pennsylvania's capital from 1799 to 1812. This short period marked an important moment in early American urban development.
The building displays Federal architectural style with carefully balanced facades that mirror early American ideals about public buildings. Its red brick and white stone appearance makes it a visual anchor point in the downtown area.
The building is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, with guided tours available that explain its role in local government. Its central location at the King and Queen Streets corner makes it easy to reach and explore.
The limestone foundation of the building contains stones from the original courthouse that stood on the same site during colonial times. This incorporation shows how building material from earlier structures was reused in the new construction.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.