Formerly known as the Town of Berwick until just after the Civil War, Abbottstown’s exact founding date is unclear. Early explorations of the area recorded the land was clear of most woodlands and used as a hunting plain.

Although now located on the eastern end of Adams County, and known as the “Gateway to Adams County”, Abbottstown was part of a larger York County until 1800. The first recorded deeds to be found are dated 1753 and the Founder, John Abbott or Abbett, a native Englishman is known to have been in the area by 1737.

By the 1770’s Abbottstown had 54 homes, all of which were made of squared logs. Now, 24 of these still exist, but most are hidden under more modern facades. Mr. Abbott used the street names of London’s main streets and the circle in the center of town based on a plan designed by Christopher Wren that was submitted to the Queen of ‘England to rebuild London after the Great Fire of 1666 which destroyed that city.

Many of Abbottstown’s young men served in the local militias during the American Revolution. Abbottstown served as a resting place for troops of both armies as they marched through town before the Battle of Gettysburg. A small skirmish occurred in Abbottstown resulting in the death of one Southern soldier.

Noted citizens of Abbottstown include Isaac Berlin, 18th century arms maker, Frederick Wolf, blacksmith and the Hafer family. Famous visitors included George Washington and Dwight Eisenhower. If anyone knows of additional historical information send it to: secretary@abbottstown.org.