New Meaning to "Birth of the Nation"

York, PA…While the Army shivered in Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-1778, the Continental Congress fled west to the frontier village of York Town, now known as York, PA. For nine months the founding fathers met in York and struggled with the task of establishing the first legal government of the United States. With the adoption of the Articles of Confederation they gave birth to a government.

The Articles of Confederation was the first document to bind the 13 original colonies as the United States of America and essential to the succeeding Constitution, the foundation of today's government.

Now, nearly 225 years later, York is planning a major celebration known as Nine Months in York Town. The celebration events will highlight the importance of the Articles and the crucial role that York played in the formation of the government of the United States.

Activities will start in September 2002 and continue until July 2003. (See "What's to Come" for an outline.)

"The celebration of the 225th anniversary of the adoption of the Articles of Confederation will highlight the pivotal historical role that the York community played in the birth of the nation. Events throughout the year will instill pride in York Countians and help to educate all Americans about the importance of the Articles," explained Thomas C. Norris, celebration chairman. "Many of the issues that are current today, were important in 1777. State rights vs Federal, individual freedoms, taxes…the Articles dealt with these and established a legal system that bridged the gap from the Declaration of Independence to the adoption of the Constitution nearly 10 years later. Its value in establishing our government has just not been understood," reiterated Gayle Petty-Johnson, CEO of the York County Heritage Trust.

A book by the same name, "Nine Months in York Town," has been penned by historical author James McClure. The book covers Congress' stay as well as the events leading up to the period when the Americans fled Philadelphia to escape the British. It was during these nine months that York served as Capital of the country, the Articles of Confederation were adopted, and the first nationally recognized Day of Thanksgiving was observed. This celebration was in response to the patriots' victory in Saratoga, NY, a victory that is widely considered to be the war's turning point.

McClure will present the novel for the first time at the Rotary Club of York meeting at the Yorktowne Hotel on June 13 at 12:30. Autographed copies of the book will be available for purchase following the meeting. "Nine Months in York Town" is currently available at the Historical Society's Museum Shop, 250 E. Market Street, York, at the prepublication price of $10. As of June 13, the book will be available at area bookstores for $12.95. The book is a joint project of the York Daily Record, the York Newspaper Company, and the York County Heritage Trust. It and a curriculum guide for schools are printed on paper donated by the P.H. Glatfelter Company.

For more information about the 225th anniversary celebration of the Articles of Confederation and the accompanying book, call 848-1587 or e-mail articles@yorkheritage.org.

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