The name “Two Taverns” comes from the town 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 Tavern one-room school house still stands. With 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 this 12th Corps troops has spent the night near Littlestown and that morning advanced to Two Taverns. In the afternoon the 12th Corps moved from Two Taverns to Gettysburg to support the Union forces.

General George Armstrong Custer and his Calvary 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 Calvary near the intersection of the Low Dutch Road and Hanover Road. That afternoon they engaged Confederate J.E.B. Stuart’s Calvary at the area now known as East Calvary Field.

The Mount Joy Meteorite is said to be the largest meteorites 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!