The History of the Conestoga House and Gardens

The historical Conestoga House has been one of the most beloved gems of the Lancaster area since the early 1700s, when it was used as a tavern for the Conestoga wagon trade between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and then as an inn in the 1840s. It was originally owned by Christian Hershey, the first of the Hershey chocolate family to arrive in America. Purchased and remodeled in 1927 by the late James Hale Steinman and Louise McClure (Tinsley) Steinman, this three-story Colonial revivalist mansion still maintains much of the same beauty, grandeur, and elegance as it did in the early 20th century. The 12-bedroom, 9,688-square-foot estate has been adored, not just by the friends, family, and guests who enter, but the entire community as well. The property is famous for its 7.8 acres of impeccably maintained grounds and gardens featuring over 3,300 annuals, about 400 tropical plants, over 160 varieties of perennials and over 160 rose bushes representing almost 20 different varieties of the flower. 

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