CHAMBERSBURG— The Franklin County Historical Society has unveiled a new exhibit commemorating the 160th anniversary of the Burning of Chambersburg. Titled “Heroes & Angels: 160th Anniversary of the Burning of Chambersburg,” the exhibit focuses on the stories of Chambersburg residents during the Confederate attack in July 1864.
Curated by museum director Ann Hull, the exhibit will open to the public at 10 a.m. at the Franklin County Historical Society, located at 175 East King Street in Chambersburg. The display is part of a larger community event known as ChambersFest, which celebrates the town’s resilience and rebirth following the Civil War destruction.
The burning, which occurred on July 30, 1864, saw Confederate Gen. John McCausland lead 2,800 cavalrymen into Chambersburg, demanding a ransom and ultimately setting fire to the town. The attack destroyed approximately 500 buildings and left 2,000 people homeless. Other exhibits include a display honoring Louisa Brand, a Chambersburg woman who defied Confederate demands by wrapping herself in an American flag during the burning. The flag will be on display at the Old Jail.
The Franklin County Historical Society can be contacted at 717-264-1667 for more information about the “Heroes & Angels” exhibit and other ChambersFest events.
