Chambersburg in Franklin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Friends of the Chambersburg Water Wheel
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 23, 2025
1. Friends of the Chambersburg Water Wheel Marker
The Chambersburg Water Wheel, on the Falling Spring Creek, is a replica of water wheels used by Chambersburg's Founder, Benjamin Chambers, as part of the Falling Spring (Chambers Fort) Settlement to power his gristmill and sawmill in the first Franklin County settlement. The water wheel replica was initially constructed by businessman and property owner, Alex Beattie, and placed in the stream in March 1984, assisted by Rife Motor Company, Inc. (Melvin Rife in blue jacket, and Alex Beattie in tan slacks).
Restoration of the Water Wheel took place during the period June 24, 2015 to October 31, 2016, with the assistance of The Rotary Club of Chambersburg, Franklin County Career and Technology Center (Career Tech) and its Carpentry and Agricultural Mechanics Departments, The Borough of Chambersburg, Brechbill & Helman Construction Company, Valley Crane Service, Noelker & Hull Associates, Bartlett Tree Experts, Art Sign Company, B & B Roofing, Savely's Garden Corner, and Brandale General Contractors.
[Captions:]
Chambers Fort circa 1755
2016 restoration by Carpentry & AG Mechanics students, Franklin County Career and Technology Center
First installed by Rife Motor Co. - March 1984
Erected by Rotary International &
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1984.
Location. 39° 56.319′ N, 77° 39.746′ W. Marker is in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in Franklin County. It can be reached from West King Street west of North Main Street (U.S. 11), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 70 W King St, Chambersburg PA 17201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fort Chambers (a few steps from this marker); World War II Killed in Action Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Thompson's Rifle Battalion: Capt. James Chambers' Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Korean War Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Vietnam Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Founding Family Memorial Statue (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Chambers (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 23, 2025
2. Friends of the Chambersburg Water Wheel Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 132 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 24, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
