A lot has changed since 1734.

When the Old Philadelphia Pike became a well-established route of transportation for those traveling west to the Allegheny Mountains, Lancaster became known as the Gateway to the West. Inns were built every few miles as convenient rest stops for the travelers.

An interesting feature of these old Inns was the sign held by an iron pole or attached to the side of the building, which swung and creaked in the wind. There were different signs in front of each Inn which were used to identify the Inns. Many were painted by a long-forgotten artist. The reason for these signs was twofold. First, they could be understood by all nationalities. Most travelers were either English or German-speaking people. A German often would be unable to read “Bird-in-Hand.” Likewise, an English-speaking person would have difficulty deciphering “Vogel in Hand.” Second, many of the teamsters or wagoners were poorly educated and could not read. They were given orders to stop at a certain Inn and could do so by recognizing the artwork on the signboard. Some of the signs hanging along the Old Philadelphia Pike other than Bird-in-Hand were The Ship, The Wagon, The Plough, The Buck, White Horse, Black Horse, The Hat, and others.

The Bird-in-Hand Inn is thought to be as old as the Old Philadelphia Pike itself. There is a legend that was handed down by word of mouth for many generations concerning the origin of the Inn’s name.

The Old Philadelphia Pike (Route 340) was being laid out in order to create a direct route between Lancaster and Philadelphia. A discussion took place between two road surveyors as to whether they should stop at their present location or go on to Lancaster to spend the night. One of them said, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” The other surveyor followed this bit of advice and both remained at what became known as the Bird-in-Hand Inn (today known as Bird-in-Hand Village Inn & Suites). It is known that the sign in front of the Inn once portrayed a man with a bird in his hand and a bush nearby in which two birds were perched.

A lot has changed since 1734 and the Conestoga Wagon days, but much still remains the same here in Bird-in-Hand. Visitors to the town can still expect friendly shopkeepers, homegrown Lancaster County foods and restful lodging for weary travelers.