Schaefferstown Historic District was determined eligible for the
National Register in 1980. Schaefferstown is one of the oldest
settlements in Lebanon County. The village grew up at the
intersection of two well-traveled roads. The fertile limestone soil
and supply of mountain spring water induced immigrants to settle in
this region. In 1758 Alexander Schaeffer of Germany purchased the
surrounding land and named his town Heidelberg, but the name was
officially changed to Schaefferstown in 1830.
Located at the site of oldest public water works in the country.
Check the historical marker (N 40° 17.756 W 076° 17.638) for all
the details.
The spring that feeds the fountains is at the south end
of the park. The pipes (underground) between the spring and the 3
fountains (one at the park, one north on Market St., and one on the
square) are still wooden pipes!
Schaefferstown Spring issues from the
limestone conglomerate of the Hammer Creek Formation (Triassic
age). The yield is usually less than 10 gallons per
minute.
This spring was deeded from Alexander Schaeffer to the residents
of Market Street on July 16, 1763. The water is now piped from the
spring to a fountain near the spring and to two fountains on Market
Street. The water flows by gravity from the spring in Fountain Park
to the fountains.
The water system, which is located in the area now known as
Fountain Park, is still used by the townspeople for potable
household water.
To log a "find":
1) Upload a photo of you/your team with GPSr by one of the 3
fountains.
2) Email (do not post online), how the water flows from the
spring in Fountain Park to the fountains.
3) Email (do not post online) the yield per minute.