CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.- The annual portrayal of the 1864 ransom, burning and rebirth of Chambersburg drew in a large crowd around the courthouse plaza on Saturday evening.
The Franklin County Visitor Bureau organized the event to commemorate the town’s destruction and honor the resilient residents who rebuilt Chambersburg from the ashes.
Activities were provided throughout the evening, with free horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting and balloon animals beginning at 5:30 p.m.
At 6 p.m., local history scholar Doug Dobbs portrayed John Brown at the Courthouse Plaza steps to offer an interpretation of the historical figure. Finalists in A Cappella & Unplugged competed in the final round from 7 to 8 p.m., with Brendon Lee winning the $500 prize.
The 1864 re-enactment began at 9 p.m. on the courthouse steps, providing a live depiction of the town’s Civil War-era burning. Visitors watched actors, lighting effects and fog machines bring the historical events to life.
