Nebuchadnezar’s Defeat — 1786
The farm began as part of a 280-acre land grant known as “Nebuchadnezar’s Defeat,” awarded to Abednego Stevens in 1786 — the origin of the “circa 1786” in our name.
The large stone farmhouse was built between 1793 and 1803, and the German bank barn — measuring 40 by 80 feet — was raised from an even older structure. The frame Tenant House, home to resident farm families since the 1880s, completes a remarkably intact farmstead.
The Civil War comes to the valley — 1863
After the burning of Chambersburg, Confederate cavalry passed through this valley in 1863 and stopped at the farm — where, by all accounts, the mistress of the house, Jane Johnston, fed the soldiers ham sandwiches before they moved on.
Five generations
The farm first came into the family in 1922. In 2004, Barb and Tony Onorato purchased it from Tony’s grandfather — the fifth generation to work this land — and began the careful rehabilitation of its historic buildings that continues today.
Visiting the farm
Guests are welcome to walk the private lane and stroll the grounds. We ask only that you admire the cattle from a distance — please don’t pet or feed them.