Chambersburg in Franklin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Underground Railroad Activity in Chambersburg

By Beverly Pfingsten, May 18, 2008

1. Underground Railroad Activity in Chambersburg Marker

Inscription. Throughout the pre-Civil War period, there were a number of Underground Railroad "stations" in this area, temporary places of refuge for former slaves escaping through the mountainous terrain to freedom in the North. One local Underground Railroad agent was a free black barber, Henry Watson, who assisted fugitive slaves as they passed through Chambersburg, helping to keep them safe and undetected by the slave-catchers and bounty hunters searching for them.

Erected 2002 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Location. 39° 56.257′ N, 77° 39.669′ W. Marker is in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in Franklin County. Marker is at the intersection of US 30 and Main Street, on the right when traveling west on US 30. Touch for map. Marker is on the northeast corner of square. Marker is in this post office area: Chambersburg PA 17201, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. French & Indian War – Revolutionary War – War of 1812 (a few steps from this marker); War Between the States (a few steps from this marker); Finding Your Way (a few steps from this marker); U.S.S. Maine Memorial

By Bill Coughlin, August 7, 2010

2. Underground Railroad Activity in Chambersburg Marker

(a few steps from this marker); Mexican War – Spanish American War – World War (a few steps from this marker); World War II – Korean Conflict – Vietnam Conflict (a few steps from this marker); Union Soldiers of Franklin County (a few steps from this marker); Chambersburg Founded A.D. 1764 (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chambersburg.

Categories. • Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Notable Persons •

Markers in Chambersburg image. Click for full size.

By Bill Coughlin, August 7, 2010

3. Markers in Chambersburg

There are several markers in this vicinity. The Underground Railroad Activity marker is seen here in the center of the photo.

The Underground Railroad Interpretive Panel in the nearby Heritage Center image. Click for full size.

By Robert H. Moore, II, April 25, 2009

4. The Underground Railroad Interpretive Panel in the nearby Heritage Center

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on June 1, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,324 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 1, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2, 3. submitted on August 8, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey. 4. submitted on May 4, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia.