Spangler-Benner Farm
Why it's listed
A working farm in Mount Joy Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania, the Benner Farm lies in a bend of Rock Creek about six miles southeast of Gettysburg. Its farmstead holds a two-story house built in 1870 on the site of an 1802 log house, a timber-framed bank barn dated 1864 on red sandstone foundations, and a log summer kitchen believed to be from 1802. Sheds and workshops hold a large collection of antique implements, many still in use. The farm is listed for its agricultural significance. It has operated since 1802 with grain, hay and livestock, and it continues to use horses and mules and historic methods without herbicides or pesticides. It has been in one family's hands since 1802 and is one of few farms in the township known to keep these methods. The Benner Family also continues traditional smoking of hams and bacon.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · catalog entry. Generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29).
| Period of significance | 1802-1942 |
|---|---|
| Styles | 19th century vernacular farm |
| Areas of significance | Agriculture |
| Acreage | 145.5 |
| Boundary source | NPS cultural-resource GIS polygon |
| Full listing page | Spangler-Benner Farm (property record) |
What listing means for this property
This is a historic district. Buildings within its boundary are either contributing (they add to the district's significance) or non-contributing. Owners of contributing income-producing buildings can claim the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit; homeowners should look at state credits. National Register districts impose no design review by themselves; a local historic district ordinance, if one exists, does (the difference explained).
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.