Mount Joy was founded by Scots-Irish immigrants in 1721 and named for the Mountjoy, an Irish supply ship. Today's Mount Joy is the 1851 blending of three towns known as Mount Joy, Richland and Florin.

Mount Joy is located on what used to be only road between Lancaster and Harrisburg, which is now known as Harrisburg Pike. This was key for transportation of goods to areas outside of Mount Joy. In 1836, the Pennsylvania Railroad came through Mount Joy, providing another important means of transportation of those goods.

Agriculture has been a mainstay in Mount Joy since the early days. Many agriculture-related products were manufactured in the town. A furniture factory and cast-iron manufacturer also took up roots in Mount Joy. Some businesses continue to operate today, such as Spangler's Flour Mill. Bavarian immigrant Alois Bube built a brewery and a hotel in Mount Joy. Bube's Brewery is now a brewery and restaurant. When visiting the brewery, you can see the original barrel working shop and its collection of antique cooper's tools.

Mount Joy Borough was designated as a Main Street Community in September, 2002 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, allowing continued revitalization of downtown Mount Joy.

Interesting Facts About Mount Joy:

* Mount Joy is home to Donegal Presbyterian Church, which was established by the Scots-Irish in 1721 and is believed to be the oldest church in continuous use.

* Mount Joy's first fire company was organized in 1868. It has 65 volunteer firefighters.

* The population of Mount Joy in 1876 was 2200.

* Milton Hershey established a branch of his Lancaster Caramel Co. in Mount Joy in 1891.

* Electric street lamps were first used in 1898.

* Most residential architecture was designed before 1939 in the main part of town.