Chambersburg in Franklin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Burning of Chambersburg
Photographed By Robert H. Moore, II, April 25, 2009
1. The Burning of Chambersburg Marker
During the Gettysburg campaign, Confederate troops were restrained, under orders, from destroying non-government property. By the time of the Rebels’ next raid into the North, however, the policy had changed. On July 30, 1864, Brigadier General John McCausland and 2,800 Confederate cavalrymen entered Chambersburg and demanded $100,000 in gold or $500,000 in greenbacks. The residents of Chambersburg failed to raise the ransom, and McCausland ordered his men to burn the town. Flames destroyed more than 500 structures leaving more than 2,000 homeless. One resident died of smoke inhalation. Damage was estimated at more than $1.6 million. To make matters worse, many inebriated Confederate soldiers looted homes and abused civilians. Mobs of angry townspeople looking for retribution killed several Rebels.
Good Samaritans in the Rebel ranks helped citizens escape and save their valuables; a Confederate captain even ordered his company to douse the flames. One officer, Colonel William Peters, staunchly refused to take part in the burning. McCausland had him placed under arrest.
Chambersburg was the only Northern town the Confederates
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 7, 2010
2. Pennsylvania Civil War Trails Marker
this page online
Erected 2009 by Pennsylvania Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 30, 1864.
Location. 39° 56.238′ N, 77° 39.698′ W. Marker is in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in Franklin County. Marker is on Lincoln Way (Route 30). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chambersburg PA 17201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Abolitionist John Brown Boards in Chambersburg (here, next to this marker); Confederate Conference (here, next to this marker); Memorial Fountain and Union Soldier Statue (a few steps from this marker); Union Soldiers of Franklin County (within shouting distance of this marker); World War II – Korean Conflict – Vietnam Conflict (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S.S. Maine Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Mexican War – Spanish American War – World War (within shouting distance of this marker); War Between the States (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chambersburg.
More about this marker. The marker displays a Sketch of the Burning of Chambersburg from Harper’s, courtesy of Cumberland Historical Society; And a photo of Chambersburg after the fire, courtesy of Cumberland Historical Society
Photographed By Robert H. Moore, II, April 25, 2009
3. The Burning of Chambersburg Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 2, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia. This page has been viewed 4,449 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on July 10, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on May 2, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia. 2. submitted on September 1, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on May 2, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
