How Did You Get Out of York Before Railroads?
You rode a horse or took the stage. Mention stagecoach and the first picture that comes to my mind is the old west with Indians or robbers chasing the stage–too many John Wayne movies in my childhood. We easterners travelled by stage too, except rough, muddy roads were the worst hazards encountered in these parts.
Click here to read about trains out of, and into, York County. And here to read about the first railroad to reach York.
When Thomas McGrath opened his Globe Inn in 1821, his ad in the York Recorder featured not only the accommodations, but also a new Stage Office. He offers:
“Passengers in the Public Stage,
will always be promptly attended to; and the best exertions shall be used–as well as by himself, as by every one connected with his establishment, to secure the comfort and approbations of all who may favor him with their custom.
Gentlemen, wishing to take the Stage, can have their horses well kept, on reasonable terms.”
If you wanted to drive yourself, McGrath also offered rentals, sort of the Hertz of his day. His ad closes:
“A good Carriage, and Gigs, can be had at the shortest notice.”
By the way, a gig, according to dictionary.com is “A light two-wheeled, one-horse carriage.”
Click here to read about the York pair that rented horses and wagon to steal chickens.
