Cornwall Borough resident Bruce Chadbourne offers another of his “Who Knew?” installments of Lebanon Valley history.
The historic Jackson House at 220 Boyd Street, Cornwall Pennsylvania is within a few years its 200th anniversary.
The house is believed to date back to the 1830s, used as a tavern on the old road which had been completed in 1829. But parts of that story need closer examination, an examination which takes us on an interesting ride around Lebanon County.
The Turnpikes
In 1792 the Pennsylvania legislature approved the Downingtown turnpike, officially the “Philadelphia to Lancaster Turnpike,” as part of efforts to improve roads and promote commerce. The midpoint of the 62-mile private toll road was Downingtown. The road later became “Lincoln Highway” and was designated U.S. Route 30…