 The Johannes Licht house, known as Light’s Fort is located on the corner of 11th and Maple Streets in Lebanon. Built in 1742, it is the oldest house in Lebanon. The building, when first erected, was a large 30 ft. by 40 ft. two-storey limestone dwelling around which was built a large stockade. The house had two-foot walls, a hip roof, and an arched cellar, At one time a spring ran through the basement.
Tradition and legend has it that there were tunnels under the house and it was used as a worship meeting place for the Mennonites in the area. It is also believed to have housed 60 families during the French and Indian War raids. Although it has gone through many changes and had been a private residence for a period of time, today Light’s Fort is the oldest standing structure in the City of Lebanon To schedule a tour or gather more information, call 717-270-0853. |
