About Intercourse, Pennsylvania
Intercourse, PA is rich in heritage and culture. It is a town full of delightful treasures and friendly shopkeepers, nestled amongst scenic Amish farmland. It is the hub where the Amish and local folks do their business and host thousands of visitors each year. The beautiful Amish farms 
surround the Village, which is located on the Old Philadelphia Pike (Route 340).
Intercourse is in close proximity to all Lancaster Country attractions and, in particular, our sister Villages of Bird-In-Hand and Strasburg. The Village stands as a clear reminder of our traditional American heritage as people live by a simpler way of life. These roots mark the community of faith to this day, and the many evidences of it are experienced by those who care to dig a bit more deeply in their Amish farmland venture.
Formerly known as "Cross Keys" from a noted old tavern, this village was founded in 1754. Much speculation exists concerning the origin of the name of this little country village. There are several explanations, but none really can be substantiated. The first centers around an old race track which existed just east of town. As one leaves town, traveling eastward on the "Old Philadelphia Pike", there is a long stretch of road where the track was located. This was the entrance to the race course, and was known as "Entercourse". It is believed that "Entercourse" gradually evolved into "Intercourse" which became the name of the town in 1814.
Another theory concerns two famous roads that crossed here. The Old King's Highway from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh (now the old Philadelphia Pike) ran east and west through the center of the town. The road from Wilmington to Erie intersected in the middle. The joining of these two roads is claimed by some to be the basis for the town "Cross Keys" or eventually "Intercourse".
A final idea comes from the "old english" language used more commonly when the name "Intercourse" was adopted in 1814. It speaks to the "fellowship" or social interaction and friendship which was so much a part of an agricultural village and culture at this time.
As a side note, a portion of the Paramount motion picture "Witness", starring Harrison Ford, was filmed right here in Intercourse!