A committee was created in 1786 to investigate the possibility of improving inland transportation within the state of Pennsylvania. The conclusion of the committees work appeared in 1790, and resulted in the appointment of a commission to survey a route between Lancaster and Philadelphia. By the early 1800's, this toll road or Lancaster turnpike (later known as the Lincoln Highway and now as Route 30) as it was called, became the chief travel route from Philadelphia to Lancaster, displacing Strasburg as a major thorough fare for east and west traffic.

Faced with the proposition of losing the income associated with the steady flow of traffic- through the 2-mile linear stretch of store front buildings in town- Strasburg used its affluence and lobbied President Andrew Jackson's administration for a 3-mile rail line that would run between Leaman Place (Rte 30) and the town. Successful in their efforts, the Strasburg Rail Road was signed into law by Governor George Wolf in June of 1832 and the first travel by train to and from Leamon Place via the Strasburg Rail Road took place around 1850.

Still operational today, the Strasburg Rail Road is a great place to see and visit, but Strasburg's 18th and 19th century style structures are equally as educational and remarkable. The homes and/or businesses in Strasburg were built "on the street", with no setback, to attract travelers to stop. Many locals in Strasburg will tell you that each building that lined the street was at one time- a store, an Inn, a tavern, a school- or place of business - in addition too- a residence. Almost all of the houses along the street boast deep backyards and generous gardens which allowed the owner of the house to run his or her own business with a business front location, while enjoying the comforts one would get from living in the country.

Over 24 log houses are still standing and are identified by a gradually sloping roof line, square footprint, and a 1-1/2 story height. Because of their distinctive construction, many log cabins can be easily recognized, even though they may have been covered in siding or modified architecturally.

The only 1-1/2 story brick house remaining in Strasburg was the home of John L. Shroy, poet and educator. The Shroy house (c1790) is the cornerstone of the Strasburg Heritage Society effort.

The town of Strasburg has over 40 other historic structures - that are within a short walking distance of one another!- that were built in 18th and 19th century style.