The Challenges Facing the Continental Congress in Yorktown, Pennsylvania
Local Tour | Registration opens 8/3/2026 8:00 AM EDT
It was a difficult time for our German-speaking ancestors in York when the congressional representatives and their families crowded into our small town, resulting in insufficient housing and a shortage of basic necessities. While George Washington and his Army were at Valley Forge, the Congress in York completed the drafting of the Articles of Confederation, our nation's first Constitution. Program held at the Colonial Court House. Leave inhibitions behind and join Tom as we travel back in time to the year 1777, when the Continental Congress was meeting in our community.
THIS COURSE WILL BE HELD AT THE COLONIAL COURT HOUSE, YORK COUNTY HISTORY CENTER, 121 N. PERSHING AVE, YORK, PA. FREE PARKING IS AVAILABLE ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE HISTORY CENTER.
THIS IS A ONE-SNEAKER TOUR BUT THERE ARE FIVE STEPS INTO THE COURT HOUSE SO WHEELCHAIR ACCESS COULD BE CHALLENGING
Thomas Gibson
An instructor and administrator for forty-two years, Tom Gibson retired from teaching at York College in 2013. A fifty-five-year volunteer educator for the York County History Center with significant colonial ancestry, he is a longtime member and officer of the Continental Congress Chapter of the United States Sons of the American Revolution. Gibson is a Vietnam veteran, thirty year Scout leader, bicycle enthusiast, and radio engineer.