Adams County, named for President John Adams, was created from a portion of York County on January 22, 1800 following a contentious battle in the state legislature. After the dust settled, Gettysburg was named the county seat, after local landowner James Gettys. While the county has strong publishing, farming supply and wood products industries, farms still occupy over 50% of the land and their output accounts for 40% of the state’s annual harvest. As a result of this slow conversion to a more industrial economy, the county’s population has grown more slowly than that of neighboring counties. Adams County, once famous for wheat production, now leads the state in fruit production. The 3-day Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 resulted in carnage and loss of human life on an almost unprecedented scale–51,000 soldiers killed, wounded or missing– and became a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice of war. That battle has, ironically, spawned a robust tourist industry. Every year, Gettysburg National Military Park hosts visitors from around the world.