First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg (101 S. Decatur St.)

Presentation topic: Before Strasburg Township: Local Landowners in the 1700s, presented by Christopher Scott

Before the formation of Lancaster County in 1729, there was a five-square-mile tract of land that straddled Pequea Creek, referred to as Strettleton Township. This land falls within modern Strasburg and West Lampeter Townships. Christopher Scott will present newly discovered information on the settlement and property ownership within this tract of land, tracing the rights from William Penn’s grant in 1681 through all the pioneers who purchased plots when the tract was subdivided in 1731. A detailed overlay of the original survey with a modern map will allow attendees to see exactly which current properties lie within this historic area. Those who live within the boundaries will learn about their shared legacy of ownership through the early 1700s.

Christopher Scott is a resident of West Lampeter Township who recently published an engaging book on his research into the history of his property. It was through his efforts that he discovered the reference to Strettleton Township, which had previously been lost to history. The book not only tells the history of the property, but also provides a highly readable account of the historical research process that will be of interest to amateur historians or genealogists.