The Burning of Chambersburg

During the Gettysburg campaign, Confederate troops were restrained, under orders, from destroying non-government property. By the time of the Rebels’ next raid into the North, however, the policy had changed.

On July 30, 1864, Brigadier General John McCausland and 2,800 ...

Abolitionist John Brown Boards in Chambersburg

Preparing for the raid on Harpers Ferry arsenal, John Brown came to Chambersburg in the summer of 1859 wearing a beard as a disguise and using the alias of Isaac Smith. He took up residence at Mary Ritner’s boarding house ...

Chambersburg

Settled 1734 by Benjamin Chambers, who laid out "Chambers Town" in 1764. Seat of Franklin County since 1784. Scene of Civil War events: Raided by "Jeb" Stuart, 1862; occupied by Confederates in 1863; and burned by them in 1864.

Marker is ...

Chambersburg Founded A.D. 1764

Burned by rebel cavalry July 30, A.D. 1864

Destroyed

Buildings 537

Value of Real Estate $713,294.34

Value of Personal Property $915,137.24

Marker is at the intersection of US 30 and Main Street, on the left when traveling west on US 30.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Underground Railroad Activity in Chambersburg

Throughout the pre-Civil War period, there were a number of Underground Railroad "stations" in this area, temporary places of refuge for former slaves escaping through the mountainous terrain to freedom in the North. One local Underground Railroad agent was a ...

Chambersburg

Settled 1734 by Benjamin

Chambers, who laid out

“Chambers Town” in 1764.

Seat of Franklin County

since 1784. Scene of Civil

War events: Raided by “Jeb”

Stuart, 1862; occupied by

Confederates in 1863; and

burned by them in 1864.

Marker is on Lincoln Way E (U.S. 30), on the ...

Burning of Chambersburg

Occupied the morning of July 30, 1864, by cavalry of Confederate Gen. John McCausland. Failing to obtain ransom, he burned the town in reprisal for ruin in the Shenandoah Valley by Gen. David Hunter.

Marker is at the intersection of Lincoln ...