Want to know (origin of name of Intercourse, PA?)

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How did Intercourse PA. get it's name

-- Ron in WV (mr_swift_26547@yahoo.com), February 16, 2002

Answers

Response to Want to know

Check out http://www.800padutch.com/intercs.shtml

-- gary (gws@columbus.rr.com), February 16, 2002.

Response to Want to know

The Pennsylvania Dutch Country Welcome Center Lancaster, PA PaDutch.com

THE VILLAGE OF INTERCOURSE, PA Overview · Visitor Info · Amish · Attractions · Lodging · Shopping · Dining · Meetings · Groups · Index · Home Bird-in-Hand · Intercourse · Lancaster · Lititz · Paradise · Rt. 30 East · Strasburg · Western Lancaster

Intercourse is the hub where the Amish and local folks do their business and host thousands of visitors each year. The beautiful Amish farms surround the Village, which is located on the Old Philadelphia Pike (Route 340), earlier known as King's Highway, in Eastern Lancaster County. Intercourse is in close proximity to all Lancaster Country attractions and, in particular, our sister Villages of Bird-In-Hand and Strasburg. The Village stands as a clear reminder of our traditional American heritage as people live by a simpler way of life.

Within walking distance of the Village there are art galleries, museums, lodgings, camping, educational opportunities and Pennsylvania Dutch taste sensations in local restaurants and specialty shops. Of the myriad of shops in our Village, a local B&B innkeeper has said, "I've noticed the numbers of our guests who arrive back at the B&B simply excited with a purchase: a corner cupboard, quilt, redwood bird feeder, dried flower arrangement, handcrafted item or a picture from a local artist!"

And, in case you didn't know, a portion of the Paramount motion picture "Witness", starring Harrison Ford, was filmed right here in Intercourse!

HOW DID INTERCOURSE GET ITS "INTERESTING" NAME? Formerly known as "Cross Keys" from a noted old tavern, this village was founded in 1754.

Much speculation exists concerning the origin of the name of this little country village. There are several explanations, but none really can be substantiated. The first centers around an old race track which existed just east of town. As one leaves town, traveling eastward on the "Old Philadelphia Pike", there is a long stretch of road where the track was located. This was the entrance to the race course, and was known as "Entercourse". It is believed that "Entercourse" gradually evolved into "Intercourse" which became the name of the town in 1814.

Another theory concerns two famous roads that crossed here. The Old King's Highway from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh (now the old Philadelphia Pike) ran east and west through the center of the town. The road from Wilmington to Erie intersected in the middle. The joining of these two roads is claimed by some to be the basis for the town "Cross Keys" or eventually "Intercourse".

A final idea comes from the "old english" language used more commonly when the name "Intercourse" was adopted in 1814. It speaks to the "fellowship" or social interaction and friendship which was so much a part of an agricultural village and culture at this time. These roots mark the community of faith to this day, and the many evidences of it are experienced by those who care to dig a bit more deeply in their Amish farmland venture.

No matter how Intercourse got its interesting name, it is a town full of delightful treasures and friendly shopkeepers, nestled amongst scenic Amish farmland. Enjoy your visit!

Of course, for many visitors, the biggest attraction is the Amish people themselves, and Intercourse is a center for their shopping, banking and more. And, for those who wish to probe into the culture a little more deeply, there are many opportunities in and around the village. For visitors of any age, there's plenty to do in Intercourse!

AARON AND JESSICA'S BUGGY RIDES - Route 340 at Plain And Fancy Farm, 717-768-8828 AMERICAN MILITARY EDGED WEAPONRY MUSEUM - 3562 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534, 717-768-7185 AMISH COUNTRY TOURS - 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, 717-768-3600 INTERCOURSE NEWS - PO Box 373, 717-768-7007 INTERCOURSE PRETZEL FACTORY - 3614 Old Philadelphia Pike, 717-768- 3432 KITCHEN KETTLE VILLAGE - Off Route 340 and Queen Road, 717-768-8261 OLD CANDLE BARN - 3551A Old Philadelphia Pike, 717-768-3231 THE PEOPLE'S PLACE - 3513 Old Philadelphia Pike, 717-768-7171 THE PEOPLE'S PLACE QUILT MUSEUM - 3510 Old Philadelphia Pike, 800-828- 8218

There's nothing quite like sleeping in the middle of farm country. From the rooster that greets the morning (yes, they still do that) to the sight of an Amish family out plowing the field with their horse of mule teams, it's an experience not to be missed. And the food...Pennsylvania Dutch Cooking is known worldwide, and you can experience it first hand in Intercourse!

AMISH BARN RESTAURANT - Route 340, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505, 717-768- 3220 BEST WESTERN INTERCOURSE VILLAGE MOTOR INN & RESTAURANT - Rts. 340 & 772, 717-768-3637 HARVEST DRIVE FAMILY RESTAURANT - Off Route 340 and Clearview Road, 717-768-4510 THE KLING HOUSE RESTAURANT - Kitchen Kettle Village, Rt. 340, 717-768- 7300 PLAIN & FANCY FARM AND DINING ROOM - Rt. 340, 717-768-8281 STOLTZFUS FARM RESTAURANT - 1/4 mile east of Intercourse on Route 772, 717-768-8156

When it comes to shopping, this is the place to be! A wide variety of shops line both sides of the streets, along with our own village within the Village. From quilts through art, handcrafts, dolls, and much more, you'll find it in Intercourse!

AMISH BARN RESTAURANT GIFT SHOP - Route 340, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505, 717-768-3220 AMISHLAND PRINTS - 3504 Old Philadelphia Pike, 717-768-7223 COUNTRY REFLECTIONS - 3565 West Newport Road, 717-768-8687 CRAFTS OF THE WORLD - 3518 Old Philadelphia Pike, 800-390-8436 CREATIVE CARVED CANDLES - 3579A West Newport Road, 717-768-0182 DEERSKIN LEATHER SHOP - Kitchen Kettle Village, 717-768-8261 DOUBLE HEART GALLERY - 3449A Old Philadelphia Pike, 717-768-3522 DUTCHLAND QUILT PATCH - Stagecoach Shops Of Intercourse, 717-768-0534 INTERCOURSE CANNING COMPANY - 3612 E. Newport Road, 717-768-0156 JAM AND RELISH KITCHEN - Kitchen Kettle Village, 717-768-8261 KEN'S GARDENS - 1/4 mile west of Intercourse on Route 772, 717-768- 3922 LAPP'S COACH SHOP - 3572 W. Newport Rd., 717-768-8712 MIESSE CANDIES - 3614 Old Philadelphia Pike, 717-768-8031 THE OLD CANDLE BARN - 3551A Old Philadelphia Pike, 717-768-3231 THE OLD COUNTRY STORE - 3510 Old Philadelphia Pike, 717-768-7101 PATRICK MCEVOY & COMPANY - 3606 Old Philadelphia Pike, 717-768-0369 THE PEOPLE'S PLACE - 3513 Old Philadelphia Pike, 800-390-8436 THE PEOPLE'S PLACE QUILT MUSEUM - 3510 Old Philadelphia Pike, 800-828- 8218 THE SMOKEHOUSE SHOP - Kitchen Kettle Village, 717-768-3805 SNYDER'S FURNITURE & CRAFTS - 3709 E. Newport Road (1/4 mile east of Intercourse), 717-768-7642 STOLTZFUS MEATS, INC. - Newport Road, 717-768-7166 TRUDY'S DOLL VILLAGE & HOSPITAL - 10 Queen Road, 717-768-3315 VILLAGE POTTERY - 3518 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534, 800-390-8436 VILLAGE QUILTS, Kitchen Kettle Village, Route 340, Intercourse, PA 17534, 717-768-8261

THE AMISH GUEST HOME - 3625 E. Newport Rd., 717-768-8914 BEACON CAMPING - 1/2 mile west of Intercourse on Route 772, 717-768- 8775 BEST WESTERN INTERCOURSE VILLAGE MOTOR INN - Rts. 340 & 772, 717-768- 3637 CARRIAGE CORNER BED & BREAKFAST - 3701 East Newport Road, 717-768- 3059 HARVEST DRIVE FAMILY MOTEL - Off Route 340 and Clearview Road, 717- 768-4510 INTERCOURSE VILLAGE BED & BREAKFAST SUITES, Route 340, 717-768-2626 TRAVELERS REST MOTEL - 3701 Old Philadelphia Pike, 717-768-8731 For More Information, contact: The Intercourse Merchants Association P. O. Box 361, Intercourse, PA 17534

The Pennsylvania Dutch Country Welcome Center · PaDutch.com Overview · Visitor Info · Amish · Attractions · Lodging · Shopping · Dining · Meetings · Groups · Index · Home Bird-in-Hand · Intercourse · Lancaster · Lititz · Paradise · Rt. 30 East · Strasburg · Western Lancaster

Now, you can see and experience the atmosphere and attractions of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country right in your own home. Order the 50- minute long "An Amish Country Wilkum" video travel guide (and it's free resource guide) and plan your trip here before you even leave home! Hit 'Control D' to bookmark this page

© Action Video, Inc. All rights reserved. Comments welcome!

-- Charles Steen (xbeeman412@aol.com), February 16, 2002.


Probly the same way Intercourse Alabama,MS,and GA did,but a better question is why does Arkansas have 5-towns all named Midway?

-- Tim (goathillfarm50@aol.com), February 16, 2002.

Interesting that there are 3 towns witin a day (horse) drive Croton on the Hudson NY, Croton Falls NY amd Croton CT. All Indian names, mispronnounced.

-- Kathy (catfish201@hotmail.com), February 16, 2002.

Arkansas native here.... Midway is a southern expression, Ive heard only once or twice outside of my homeland.... Like.... " Ernestine lives midaway ov little rock and jacksonville."... With most town names originating in the 1800's and even earlier, slang of the region was used. As it was the way people talked.

-- Kristean Thompson (pigalena_babe@yahoo.com), February 16, 2002.


I wonder how Hell, Michigan got it's name.

-- Susan in Northern LP Michigan (cobwoman@yahoo.com), February 17, 2002.

Well, first of all...intercourse used to have the meaning of conversation, not sex. Believe you me, those old dutch folk did not intend to name a town after sex.

-- julie (jbritt@ceva.net), February 17, 2002.

The video person forgot to add that most all of SE PA is unlivable for anyone who doesn't like traffic and crowds. Most areas are like mine, once were country, now clogged roads and big developments with everyone heading to Phila. for work. Lancaster is one big development surronding the nice Amish farms. I feel sorry for them! Just an observation. CNoll

-- CNoll (CBirder@aol.com), February 17, 2002.

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