Names of York: Phineas Davis
More in the ongoing series on the Names of York.
Place: Phineas Davis Elementary School in York
Who was it named after? Phineas Davis, an inventor who came to York in 1809.
Fun fact: In 1831, Davis won a $4,000 award from the Baltimore and Ohio Steam Railway for building “The York,” believed to be the first successful coal-burning locomotive steam engine in the United States. The locomotive reached a top speed of 30 miles per hour. It was designed and built in the foundry and machine shop David owned with partner Israel Gardner at West King and South Newberry streets in York. The railroad gave Davis his fame, but it also took his life; he died when the train on which he was riding derailed in 1835.
Source: York Town Square blog and “Never to be Forgotten” by Jim McClure
Do you have a suggestion of a place in York County named for a person? If so, post a comment! I’m going to work my way through some likely ones, such as schools and parks, but I need other suggestions too!
