When the Second Continental Congress arrived in York in September 1777, they found a sleepy frontier town in which most residents spoke German. Philadelphia it was not. Lodging became an immediate issue, as there were but 22 taverns and about 300 houses in York Town. Members of Congress did not travel alone, of course – they brought with them staff members to assist with the governing of the young nation. Many delegates began their time in York in overcrowded taverns, until such time that they could arrange for living quarters, frequently in private homes.
In some cases, delegates were able to rent a home, and perhaps share it with other delegates. Few patriots actually stayed in York all nine months that Congress met here. Many came and went and came and went, with the president of Continental Congress serving as the “glue” that held the body together.
When they arrived here, John Hancock was president; however, he resigned from Congress on October 31 and returned to his home in Massachusetts. Cousins John and Samuel Adams stayed in York for the first five weeks, then departed for Massachusetts – John would later travel to France while Samuel eventually returned to York in the final weeks that Congress met here.
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Throughout York’s tenure as colonial capital, the Square was abuzz with activity. Congress met in the County Court House, which by now had stood in Centre Square for over 20 years. A home on the northeastern quadrant of the Square served as the U.S. Treasury. Archibald McClean, owner of the building, was a surveyor and ardent patriot. On the southeastern quadrant stood Gottleib Ziegle’s tavern, which most likely hosted several delegates. Next door stood a building that served as an armory. Across George Street on the southwestern quadrant stood a building leased by delegate Daniel Roberdeau. According to early local histories, Roberdeau hosted John Adams and Samuel Adams, among other delegates. The Committee on Foreign Affairs, of which Thomas Paine served as Secretary, also met in this building.
Just beyond the “limits” of Centre Square stood another ring of buildings used during this time period. On West Market Street, where Trinity UCC is located today, stood a building that served as the “president’s house” – John Hancock originally stayed here, followed by Henry Laurens, who succeeded Hancock as president of the Second Continental Congress. The house was quite different than the lodging that Laurens was accustomed to, indicated by this statement in a July 1778 letter: “While I was at York Town I lived in a stile much below that of my Overseers. All the room I had for my Office and lodging, was not near so large as the Hall at Mount Tacitus, more than once I have been obliged to dine upon bread and cheese and a glass of Grog…” Col. Michael Swope was owner of the home. Further down West Market Street was the German Reformed Church, where many delegates attended church services. Philip Livingston, a delegate from New York who died while in York, was buried in the adjacent cemetery and later relocated to Prospect Hill Cemetery.
On the north side of West Market Street, just west of Centre Square, stood another tavern, later known as the Black Horse Tavern.
On North George Street, just north of Centre Square, was a large building that was used for housing paroled British officers. Other officers remained in the York County Jail, which was located on South George Street at King Street. Also on South George Street was the home and office of local attorney and signer of the Declaration of Independence, James Smith. Smith’s office, which was located at South George and Mason Alley, housed the Board of War. John Adams originally served as president and, after reorganization, General Horatio Gates became president of the Board of War.
While several Revolutionary-era buildings still stand elsewhere in York City and County, none of these buildings in and around Centre Square survive today.