Remarkably Stewartown homes haven’t seen major renovations since 2000. That’s when the Housing Opportunities Commission acquired the property. Stewartown residents experienced significant upgrades in 2022. New kitchens and bathrooms were installed. Energy-efficient appliances were added. Cabinets countertops fixtures flooring and lighting were all replaced. Modern HVAC units and water heaters also went in. Four-bedroom units even got their half-baths upgraded to full baths. The exterior of Stewartown also got a facelift. New siding gutters windows and doors were installed. The community also boasts improved paving site lighting landscaping and a shiny new playground. New signage helps visitors find their way in Stewartown.
Stewartown is more than just upgraded homes. It’s a place steeped in history. Think about it. Settlers lived in the Stewartown area as early as 1750. Imagine the challenges they faced. A boundary dispute between Maryland and Pennsylvania wasn’t settled until 1767 with the surveying of the Mason-Dixon Line.
By 1777 a well-established road connected York and Baltimore. Stewartown’s main street follows part of that historic route. Around 1812 prosperous farmers founded a community. This wasn’t just any farming village. Stewartown included several houses a workshop making furniture and spinning wheels a store and a tavern.
Anthony Stewart owned the workshop. He served as the village clerk. His shop became a vital meeting place. The village initially went by Meadstown named after Benedict Meads who owned the tavern and store. It later changed to Mechanicsburg reflecting the many skilled tradesmen carpenters shoemakers blacksmiths wheelwrights and tinsmiths.
By 1828 Stewartown was big enough for its own post office. Anthony Stewart became the first postmaster. But there was already a Mechanicsburg in Pennsylvania. Postal officials temporarily labeled the town Guilford. But thanks to Anthony Stewart and Judge Adam Ebaugh the post office finally changed the town’s name to Stewartown on March 24 1832. This persistent effort to establish Stewartown’s identity is testament to the community’s spirit. Stewartown’s history is a testament to perseverance and the importance of community. The story of Stewartown is one of growth adaptation and a lasting legacy.