The Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites you to join them in celebrating the remarkable spirit and resilience of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, on July 20, 2024. The event, titled “1864 Ransoming, Burning, and Rebirth of Chambersburg,” will commemorate the 160th anniversary of a pivotal moment in the town’s history – the burning of Chambersburg by Confederate forces in 1864.
While Chambersburg appears to be an ordinary town with tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and a charming downtown, the events of July 30, 1864, reveal a much deeper and dramatic history. On that day, Confederate General John McCausland entered the town and demanded a ransom of $100,000 in gold or $500,000 in Yankee dollars. When the town was unable to meet the ransom demands, McCausland ordered the town to be set ablaze. Nearly twelve blocks of Chambersburg were engulfed in flames, leaving over 2,000 residents homeless and destroying more than 500 structures.
This year’s commemoration will be a powerful tribute to the strength and determination of the 1864 residents who rebuilt their town from the ashes. The event, organized by the Franklin County Visitors Bureau (FCVB) and brought to life by Eslinger Lighting, will feature an immersive re-enactment and light show depicting the events of 1864. The performance will take place on the steps of the 1865 Franklin County Courthouse, with an enhanced audience experience through a live feed on an LED panel display.
The 1864 Ransoming, Burning, and Rebirth of Chambersburg event is a moving testament to the enduring spirit of the Chambersburg community. This annual tradition invites visitors and residents alike to learn about the town’s rich history, celebrate its resilience, and experience the warm hospitality of Franklin County, PA. Discover Franklin County’s abundant attractions, including its arts, architecture, recreation, natural beauty, fresh foods, and charming communities like Greencastle, Mercersburg, Shippensburg, and Waynesboro. Located just north of the Mason-Dixon Line, Franklin County, PA is an easy drive from Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.
