Chambersburg Remembers and Rebuilds: 1864 Anniversary Celebrations | kbnmart

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The Franklin County Visitors Authority invites the public to commemorate the remarkable history of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and honor the resilient citizens of 1864 at the Chambersburg Redemption, Burning and Rebirth of 1864 event on July 20, 2024.

This celebration celebrates the spirit of community and the amazing recovery that Chambersburg has seen from the ashes of devastation. Although it may seem like an ordinary town with tree-lined streets and historic architecture, Chambersburg’s history on July 30, 1864, sets it apart.

On a hot day in 1864, Confederate General John McCausland and his officers arrived in Chambersburg, demanding a ransom of $100,000 in gold or $500,000 in Yankee dollars to spare the city from burning. Unable to raise the ransom, they set fire to nearly a dozen Chambersburg buildings, leaving more than 2,000 residents homeless and destroying more than 500 buildings. This year marks the 160th anniversary of that fateful day.

Event highlights:

• 9am – 4pm: Old Market Day fills the streets with over 100 stalls offering arts and crafts, festival foods and sidewalk sales. Entertainment is also available in Courthouse Square.
• 10am – 4pm: The Franklin County Historical Society celebrates Louisa Brand, an 1864 resident who defied Confederate soldiers by draping herself in the American flag. Her flag is on display in the Burning of Chambersburg exhibit.
• 9am – 8pm: The Franklin County Visitors Bureau offers a kids’ area with crafts, a ball pit and a video vault showing the latest FCVB-TV episodes. Participate in a selfie station and enter to win a local gift basket.
• 4pm – 9pm: The Chambersburg Volunteer Fireman’s Museum is open for free tours and displays the 1850 hose wagon from the Friendship Fire Company.
• 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Evening horse-drawn carriage tours highlight the historic property dating back to 1864. Tours are free, with donations accepted for Homeless Matters and Habitat for Humanity.
• 5:30pm – 8pm: Enjoy food from food vendors including Copper Fox Coffee, Boost Burger and more. Dine at local restaurants along Main Street.
• 6pm – 8:30pm: Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the A Cappella & Unplugged Festival with the 2024 Finals Competition. The audience votes on their favorite performance, and the winner receives $500.
• 8:45 PM: Watch a historical reenactment and light show depicting the redemption, burning and rebirth of Chambersburg in 1864 on the steps of the 1865 Franklin County Courthouse. Bring a lawn or stadium chair; the event will be on rain or shine.

The Franklin County Visitors Bureau encourages everyone to explore the rich history, arts, architecture and natural beauty of Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Conveniently located just north of the Mason-Dixon Line, the Bureau is easily accessible by car from Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.