The name “Two Taverns” comes from the two stout, old stone dwellings presently located diagonally across the Baltimore Pike from one another. The precise dates of construction remain unsubstantiated. The developing hamlet of Two Taverns sprang from a natural conjunction of paths and roads that connected settlements. The need for a school house was the result of growth in the number of settlers. The Two Taverns one-room school house still stands. With the increase of settlers and the need for communication, Two Taverns was designated a post town long before the actual presence of a “brick-and-mortar” Post Office (which has long since been decommissioned).

On the morning of July 1, 1863 the Battle of Gettysburg began north of Gettysburg. General Slocum and his 12th Corps troops spent the night near Littlestown and that morning advanced to Two Taverns. In the afternoon the 12th Corp moved from Two Taverns to Gettysburg to support the Union forces.

General George Armstrong Custer and his Cavalry Brigade of Michigan Wolverines arrived at Two Taverns late on the night of July 2nd. They left Two Taverns in the early morning hours of July 3rd to join David Gregg’s Cavalry near the intersection of the Low Dutch and Hanover Road. That afternoon they engaged Confederate  J.E.B Stuart’s Cavalry at the area now known as East Cavalry Field.

The first murder in Adams County occurred June 23, 1818. Robert Hunter attacked Henry Heagy by scythe in Larimer’s meadow, adjacent to Larimer’s Tavern, the larger tavern at Two Taverns. Heagy was taken and laid out on the barroom floor. Even with Dr. Miller’s attention, Heagy died the following week.

The Mount Joy Meteorite is said to be the largest meteorite found east of the Mississippi River. It is possible the meteorite fell in November according to the Gettysburg Sentinel Nov. 18, 1833.”The whole heavens appeared to be illuminated by  countless meteors, of different sizes.” The meteorite was discovered in 1877 by Jacob Snyder on his farm near Two Taverns. The meteorite weighed about 800 pounds. The largest portion of the meteorite is located today in the Museum of Natural History, Vienna, Austria. However, a small specimen is on display at the Adams County Historical Society.

Two Taverns became a natural social center where boarders, travelers, and residents alike eagerly  traded and caught up on the latest news, gossip, and politics. Grace Lutheran Church was established in 1876. Over the years, Two Taverns became the home for trades, cigar companies, a stone creamery, a gunsmith, burial vault maker, stores, dress making shop, furniture manufacturer, fruit market, fine dining, school and much more!