CHAMBERSBURG- At first glance, Chambersburg seems like an ordinary town with tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and an appealing downtown. Yet, the history of July 30, 1864, makes Chambersburg far from ordinary.
Step back 160 years to a hot, July day–July 30, 1864. Confederate General John McCausland rode into Chambersburg. He and his chief officers went to the Franklin Hotel on the square for breakfast. There, McCausland ordered the arrest of leading citizens and began spreading the word of his purpose in Chambersburg—to hold the town at ransom for $100,000 in gold or $500,000 in Yankee dollars. If the ransom was not paid, Chambersburg would be burned. The town could not raise anything close to the ransom, and by noon, nearly twelve blocks of Chambersburg blazed. More than 2,000 citizens were left homeless and over 500 structures were lost in the Great Fire. 2024 marks the 160th anniversary of the fateful day.
Saturday, July 20, 2024, is the 1864 Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth of Chambersburg commemoration. It is a celebration of community spirit and remembers the resiliency of the citizens that brought Chambersburg to life from the ashes of destruction.
The remembrance and tribute to the strength of the 1864 residents began in 2011 as part of a joint launch of Civil War sesquicentennial events with Adams County. The 1864 commemoration, organized by Franklin County Visitors Bureau (FCVB) and brought to life by Eslinger Lighting, continues annually. New to this year’s event is a 21st-century twist—an LED panel display with a live feed to help the audience experience the total event. FCVB is also streaming the event on FCVB-TV and its website–ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com.
July 20 is a day filled with activity, topped off with the historical re-enactment and light show depicting the history of the 1864 Ransoming, Burning and Rebirth of Chambersburg. This year’s schedule includes:
- 9 AM – 4 PM – Old Market Day fills the streets of Chambersburg with over 100 stalls–row after row of art and craft vendors displaying one-of-a-kind wares as well as an assortment of festival food. Local merchants hold sidewalk sales and Courthouse Plaza features a variety of entertainment.
- 10 AM – 4 PM – Franklin County Historical Society, located in the Old Jail on King Street, is celebrating Louisa Brand, an 1864 resident, who wrapped herself with the American flag and defied Confederates to remove it. The flag in which she wrapped herself is displayed at the historical society in the Burning of Chambersburg exhibit.
- 9 AM – 8:00 PM – Franklin County Visitors Bureau (FCVB), 15 South Main Street, offers a children’s area with crafts, coloring pages, and ball pit. The video vault will air recent FCVB-TV episodes throughout the day. Check out the selfie stations and enter the drawing to win a gift basket full of local favorites, like Martin’s Potato Rolls and Chambersburg peaches, plus five passes to the Chambersburg Aquatic Center. Drawing at 5:45 PM on Courthouse Plaza. Also, throughout the day and into the evening, enjoy the Civil War walking tour at your own pace and at any time. Visit ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com/1864-burning to listen and walk.
- 4 PM – 9 PM – The Chambersburg Volunteer Fireman’s Museum, 441 Broad Street, is open for free tours. Be sure to check out the 1850 hose cart, which belonged to the Friendship Fire Company and was at the burning of Chambersburg.
- 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM – Evening horse and wagon tours, highlighting properties of today and what was onsite in 1864. Rides are free and last approximately 12 minutes. Donations to Homeless Matters and Habitat for Humanity are being accepted. Wagon will load on the northwest side of Memorial Fountain.
- 5:30 pm – 8 PM – Enjoy food vendors, including Copper Fox Coffee, Boost Burger, Jerky Shak, Yard Goat Treats, and more. Dining is, also, available along Main Street at Classic Family Diner, Don Checko’s, Veroni Cafe, Falafel Shack, and Bistro 71.
- 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM – Courthouse Plaza is the stage for celebrating 10 years of A Cappella & Unplugged and the 2024 Finals of the competition. Finalists are Jeff Trish, Marissa Porter, Kiley Heltzel, Calamity & Justus, and Paul Minnich. Audience members vote for their favorite performance by ballot and text-in vote. The winner receives $500 and becomes the 2024 champion.
- 8:45 PM – Join thousands, who gather to watch, as the town is transported back to 1864 and ransomed by Confederate soldiers.
1864 Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth of Chambersburg is a re-enactment and light show done completely with atmospheric effects and actors. The steps of the 1865 Franklin County Courthouse are the stage. Bring a lawn or stadium chair. The event is rain or shine.
