Historical Markers and War Memorials in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Chambersburg is the county seat for Franklin County
Chambersburg is in Franklin County
Franklin County(228) ► ADJACENT TO FRANKLIN COUNTY Adams County(1436) ► Cumberland County(428) ► Fulton County(47) ► Huntingdon County(85) ► Juniata County(20) ► Perry County(156) ► Frederick County, Maryland(558) ► Washington County, Maryland(875) ►
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Originally known as Trinity Church and School. Erected in 1836 at land donated by Lazarus Brown for free school and non denominational church purposes. Funds ($391.36) for this building were contributed by 51 citizens. Used by Antrim Twp. until . . . — — Map (db m84016) HM
Preparing for the raid on Harpers Ferry arsenal, John Brown came to Chambersburg in the summer of 1859 wearing a beard as a disguise and using the alias of Isaac Smith. He took up residence at Mary Ritner’s boarding house on East King Street, . . . — — Map (db m201726) HM
Occupied the morning of July 30, 1864, by cavalry of Confederate Gen. John McCausland. Failing to obtain ransom, he burned the town in reprisal for ruin in the Shenandoah Valley by Gen. David Hunter. — — Map (db m2140) HM
Settled 1734 by Benjamin Chambers, who laid out “Chambers Town” in 1764. Seat of Franklin County since 1784. Scene of Civil War events: Raided by “Jeb” Stuart, 1862; occupied by Confederates in 1863; and burned by them in . . . — — Map (db m35807) HM
Settled 1734 by Benjamin Chambers, who laid out "Chambers Town" in 1764. Seat of Franklin County since 1784. Scene of Civil War events: Raided by "Jeb" Stuart, 1862; occupied by Confederates in 1863; and burned by them in 1864. — — Map (db m92222) HM
Settled 1734 by Benjamin Chambers, who laid out "Chambers Town" in 1764. Seat of Franklin County since 1784. Scene of Civil War events: Raided by "Jeb" Stuart, 1862; occupied by Confederates in 1863; and burned by them in 1864. — — Map (db m92625) HM
Burned by rebel cavalry July 30, A.D. 1864 Destroyed Buildings 537 Value of Real Estate $713,294.34 Value of Personal Property $915,137.24 — — Map (db m8097) HM
On June 26, 1863, Gen. Robert E. Lee, and staff, entered this square. After conferring with Gen. A.P. Hill, near the middle of the 'Diamond', Lee turned eastward and made headquarters at the edge of town. — — Map (db m8099) HM
In his youth Mike gained fame as a superb athlete playing football, track, basketball and baseball for the Chambersburg High School, and he was elected a member of the South Central PA Sports Hall of Fame.
Mike felt a strong commitment to . . . — — Map (db m227425) HM
Founded 1734; main part of present church built 1803. One of the Presbyterian churches marking the first great settlement of Scotch-Irish pioneers west of the Susquehanna. — — Map (db m8062) HM
Arches were a common site across the Lincoln Highway route. A Gateway Arch, now removed, spanned Lincoln Way East. The wooden arch greeted travelers as they passed through downtown. It was at this very intersection (Lincoln Highway and U. S. . . . — — Map (db m35181) HM
This church, the third building, stands on the site of a log church built in 1780 by the Lutheran and Reformed and used jointly by the congregations till 1808. The land was granted by Benjamin Chambers. — — Map (db m8121) HM
With its Southern border on the Mason-Dixon Line, and located in the middle of the Great Valley that stretched back through Maryland to Virginia, Franklin County became a Civil War hotspot.
Even before war came this way, abolitionist John . . . — — Map (db m242171) HM
Erected in 1756 by Col. Benjamin Chambers, pioneer land-owner and founder of the town, who fortified his house and mill with stockade and cannon against Indians. — — Map (db m8114) HM
Southwest 150 Feet
Erected 1755-56 by
Colonel Benjamin Chambers
Founder of Chambersburg
A two story stone structure surrounded
By a moat
A stockade manned by two swivel guns
Enclosed the fort, flour mill, sawmill,
And dwelling. . . . — — Map (db m18645) HM
On March 30, 1734, Benjamin Chambers, a Scots-Irish immigrant and millwright was granted a Blunston License by the Penn family to develop a 400-acre plantation and gristmill for the first Franklin County settlement, named the Falling Spring . . . — — Map (db m18630) HM
Formed on September 9, 1784 from Cumberland County and named for Benjamin Franklin. Site of Falling Spring, noted limestone trout stream. Birthplace of James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States. Chambersburg, county seat, was laid out 1764. — — Map (db m2142) HM
They shall live forevermore
our glorious dead
1917 1919
Erected to the memory of the men and women of Franklin County who gave their lives in the World War
“Greater love hath no man than this
that a man lay down his life for . . . — — Map (db m14021) HM WM
The two abolitionists met at a stone quarry here, Aug. 19-21, 1859, and discussed Brown's plans to raid the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry. He urged Douglass to join an armed demonstration against slavery. Douglass refused, warning the raid would . . . — — Map (db m201754) HM
French and Indian War 1755-1758 In this war there were so far as can be determined two or three organized companies of Associators within the present limits of the county, who took part in the several campaigns to the West, in suppression . . . — — Map (db m45163) HM
Gen. A.G. Jenkins' Southern cavalry raided Chambersburg June 15-17, 1863, prior to the main invasion; and later led the invading army, June 22-24. Gen. R.E. Lee entered Chambersburg on June 26. — — Map (db m84014) HM
Pennsylvania State Chair, Woman's Suffrage Party and a National Advocate for Women's Suffrage. Wilson College Trustee 1913-1917, 1922-1937. — — Map (db m159608) HM
Lincoln Highway travelers were not unlike today's travelers – wanting good roads, reasonably priced food and overnight accommodations, and quality entertainment. The Capitol Theatre, which celebrated its grand opening on the night of February 3, . . . — — Map (db m242173) HM
Consecrated in 1844, this cemetery provided a place for Jews to be properly buried under the requirement of Judaic law. Founded by Chevrah Kaddishah (Holy Burial Society), it is the first Jewish cemetery west of Philadelphia formed during a period . . . — — Map (db m8118) HM
Boarded in this house for a while in the summer of 1859 under the name of "Smith". While in Chambersburg, he secretly received firearms and ammunition. Later in 1859, Brown led a raid on the arsenal at Harper's Ferry. — — Map (db m201755) HM
African American inventor who secured a U.S. patent for the first fire escape ladder and hose conductor in 1878. In 1879 Winters was issued a second U.S. patent for improvements to the original invention. Winters was active in the Underground . . . — — Map (db m8058) HM
King Street Church moved to the southwest corner from the northeast corner of King and Second Streets in 1936, expanding to accommodate growth. For 63 years, the church was led by Dr. Clyde W. Meadows (1928-1961), and Dr. Paul B. Baker (1961-1991). . . . — — Map (db m8060) HM
Delany was an influential abolitionist, civil rights activist, Army officer, and prominent physician. The son of an enslaved father and free mother received his education in Chambersburg. He went on to publish an anti-slavery newspaper, "The . . . — — Map (db m201756) HM
Built 1823-1824. Oldest Pennsylvania building erected solely for Masonic use and now used exclusively for that purpose. Spared when Confederates burned town on July 30, 1864. — — Map (db m8057) HM
Erected at center of Memorial Square to honor over 5,000 Franklin County soldiers who served in Civil War, 1861-65. Secured through gifts of Franklin County citizens and dedicated July 17, 1878. Entered in National Register of Historic Places, May . . . — — Map (db m8095) HM
Name of grove selected by Gen. R.E. Lee for his headquarters, June 26-30, 1863. Here he issued the order for the concentration of troops near Gettysburg. Site of woods is just south of this point. — — Map (db m8122) HM
Mexican War 1846-1848 --------------- 4 officers and 122 men – Co. B, 11th U.S. Regular Infantry. Approximately 325 men enlisted in the U.S. Army from Franklin County. --------------- Spanish American War 1898-1899 . . . — — Map (db m45168) HM
A two-story stone house occupied as a tavern by William Morrow stood on this site. George Washington, with staff, lodged here, Oct. 12, 1794, when traveling west to review troops assembled at Bedford to suppress the Whiskey Rebellion. — — Map (db m8101) HM
Of Georgian design, this jail was built in 1818 and was in continuous use for 152 years. The third oldest building in the borough, it survived the burning of Chambersburg by Confederate forces during the Civil War. — — Map (db m8059) HM
Recognized as the inventor of the first sleeping car in U.S. for use of travelers. The car, "Chambersburg", was operated as early as 1838 between Harrisburg and Chambersburg. He lies buried in graveyard at rear of church. — — Map (db m8120) HM
Built about 1807. Later, it was the home of Dr. Jacob Suesserott, a prominent physician, dentist and surgeon. The fire started by Confederate cavalry on July 30, 1864, was arrested at this point. — — Map (db m8119) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m201727) HM
The Franklin County Community Foundation (FCCF) is a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC).
FCCF was established in 1987 and annually makes grants to nonprofit organizations that serve Franklin County. FCCF . . . — — Map (db m242169) HM
The Greatest Sacrifice
Chambersburg
The price of war is devastation. Franklin County paid the price when its county seat, Chambersburg, was burned to the ground in 1864. Invaded in 1862, 1863, and 1864 by Confederate forces, Franklin . . . — — Map (db m201757) HM
On this site stood the John Jack Tavern. Operated by the family of James Jack, courier of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. The Tavern was used from 1784 until 1794 as a courthouse and jail for Franklin County. — — Map (db m8098) HM
Was planted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1599 in honor of all those men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. This living memorial will stand as a humble reminder of the sacrifices and dedication of these men . . . — — Map (db m8115) WM
Recruited in this part of Cumberland (now Franklin) County, Chambers' Company was a unit of the first battalion in the colonies authorized by Congress, in June 1775. From here this company marched about 450 miles to join the siege of Boston. The . . . — — Map (db m8116) HM
In Memoriam U.S.S. Maine Destroyed in Havana Harbor February 15th 1898 This tablet is cast from metal recovered from the U.S.S. Maine
In memoriam to Walter S. Sellers, pharmacist, who lost his life in the sinking of the Battleship Maine, . . . — — Map (db m34375) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m8096) HM
Erected in memory of the Soldiers of Franklin County who fought for the Union in the War Between the States 1861-1865 Dedicated July 17th, 1878 ---------- Approximately 40 feet southwest of this tablet, Generals Robert E. Lee and A. P. Hill met . . . — — Map (db m45160) HM
The following Penna. Commands were organized and recruited entirely or in part in Franklin County. 2nd Regt. Inf. – Co’s. A. B. C. • 35th Regt. Inf. – 6th Reserves Co. D. • 41st Regt. Inf. – 12th Reserves Co. K. • 43rd Regt. 1st . . . — — Map (db m45169) HM
Founded in 1869, and named for Sarah Wilson, its benefactor. One of the oldest colleges for women in the U.S. Opened, 1870, in "Norland", former home of Col. A.K. McClure, close friend of Abraham Lincoln. — — Map (db m8104) HM
World War II, 1941-1945 In this war, Franklin County sent into the Armed Forces of the United States approximately 6,460 men and women.. --------------- Korean Conflict, 1950-1953 In this conflict, Franklin County sent into the . . . — — Map (db m45165) WM
Settled 1734 by Benjamin Chambers, who laid out "Chambers Town" in 1764. Seat of Franklin County since 1784. Scene of Civil War events: Raided by "Jeb" Stuart, 1862; occupied by Confederates in 1863; and burned by them in 1864. — — Map (db m8107) HM
On June 26, 1863, Gen. R.S. Ewell, with orders to take Harrisburg, marched his army by this road toward Carlisle, which he reached next day. On June 29, he was ordered to rejoin Lee's army at Cashtown. — — Map (db m8006) HM
Heroine of the Revolution; born Nov. 12, 1751, near Rocky Spring, 1˝ miles to NW. Accompanied her husband to war. Manned a cannon, Fort Washington, N.Y., Nov. 16, 1776, when he was killed. She was wounded, pensioned, and assigned to Invalid Regt. . . . — — Map (db m8106) HM
Established in 1895 as the Pa. Soldiers' Orphans Industrial School, the state-run institution provided primary and secondary education to veterans' children in a residential setting. About 10,000 boys and girls were instilled with a sense of . . . — — Map (db m84015) HM
A replica of the original Mt. Pleasant U.B. (White Church) placed as a memorial to the church and to the members who worshipped here. Erected in 1892 as a cost of $1600.00. Razed in 1967 it served as a house of worship from 1892 to 1964, at which . . . — — Map (db m152345) HM
Gen. Robert E. Lee reached Chambersburg June 26, 1863. Hearing June 28 that Union troops under Gen. Joseph Hooker had crossed the Potomac to Frederick, he decided to unite his forces at Cashtown; and left the city by this road. — — Map (db m8007) HM
General Albert G. Jenkins' brigade of Southern cavalry entered Chambersburg on June 15, 1863, in advance of the main invasion force, and later led the invading army, June 22-24. General Robert E. Lee entered Chambersburg on June 26. — — Map (db m84013) HM
The boom of the automobile industry led to another explosion — the restaurant industry. Americans were experiencing two new forces — the urge to ride in the car, and the urge to eat out. The restaurant could serve the hungry motorist and . . . — — Map (db m152350) HM
Enlisted by Meriwether Lewis as a private in the Lewis & Clark Expedition, 1803 - 1806; selected as a Sergeant in August, 1804. His carpentry and soldiering skills earned written commendation from Lewis. Gass later published his diaries of the . . . — — Map (db m8123) HM
Dodie's Restaurant holds an important place in the history of Franklin County dining establishments. In 1949, Kenny Hoover started a frozen custard stand in a remodeled Atlantic gas station near the Route 81 intersection. Once business prospered, he . . . — — Map (db m167239) HM
Built by the settlers; named for John McCord. Burnt April 1, 1756, by Indians, who killed or carried into captivity 27 persons. The site is marked, about 500 feet away. — — Map (db m84012) HM
The site of Fort McCord where twenty-seven pioneer settlers men, women and children were massacred by Indian savages or carried into captivity, April 1st, 1756, was a few rods south east of this spot.
In the list of victims were Mary McCord, . . . — — Map (db m84011) HM
