Lancaster County was established to include Hempfield Township, named for the vast quantities of hemp raised by local farmers in the area.
Post Type Archives: Timeline Stories
1719
The earliest known hemp mill was established at the junction between Chiques and Donegal creeks. The Hershey family name appears on maps and deeds for mills in the area, and were owners and operators of at least 17 of the earliest mill locations in Lancaster County.
1718
Hempfield township was settled and farmers began filling the high demand for hemp from local manufacturers. The hemp was primarily used for cordage and canvas on Conestoga wagons.
1717
Among the first to cultivate and mill hemp in Lancaster County, PA, The Hershey family (ancestors to the Kreiders of Kreider Farms) purchased 400 acres of land to establish hemp fields throughout their homesteads.
1710
The first permanent settlers of what became known as Lancaster County, began planting hemp.
1685
William Penn was pleased by the great quantities of hemp growing in his province and proposed hemp as one of the four staples of trade.
1683
One of the first laws passed by the PA General assembly encouraged farmers to grow hemp.
1681
Recognizing the enormous potential for hemp crops, William Penn founded Pennsylvania with the specific intention of producing hemp.
