page_title: Light's Fort
section_title: Building Description
hierarchical_section_title: Light's Fort / Building Description
caption_attribution_description: English: Light's Fort - Limestone Steps Leading to the Cellar.
context_page_description: Light's Fort was built in 1742 by Johannes Peter Leicht [John Light]. Light's Fort is the oldest standing building of any kind in the county and city of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. John Light, an immigrant, purchased the land on December 29, 1738, from Caspar Wistar, and wife, Katherine, of the City of Philadelphia, Brass Button Maker, for 82 pounds and 4 shillings. Light's Fort was built in 1742 on a tract of land, which was situated on a branch of the Quittapahilla Creek in Lancaster County at North 11th and Maple Streets. It contained 274 acres including an allowance of 6% for roads together with woods, water courses, etc.
context_section_description: The dimensions of Light's Fort are 30 feet (9.2m) by 40 feet (12.3m).  It is built of local limestone and timbers. Its architectural style is Colonial: Pennsylvania German Traditional, which was used by early German speaking settlers in the southeastern and central Pennsylvania area in the 1700s.  When it was built, it had two and a half stories, but due to strong storms and renovations part of the second story and most of the attic have been removed. It also has a large arched basement that is accessed by a set of limestone stairs. The cellar was built over a constant running fresh water spring and was used for cold storage. The fresh water spring survives today. A bronze plaque is attached above the west side entrance door that reads: “Home and Refuge of Johannes Leicht – (John Light) D. 1759, LIGHT’S FORT, Built 1742, Placed by the Tulpehocken Chapter of the Daughters of the American Colonists, 1974”.
caption: A view of the original limestone steps that lead to the Arched Cellar of Light's Fort.
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