Chambersburg
Hamilton Township, Franklin County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Settled in 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 in 1862, occupied by Confederates in 1863 and burned by them in 1864.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Benjamin Chambers put down roots here in 1734 and laid out "Chambers Town" in 1764, and by 1784 the growing community was named the seat of Franklin County. The town's place in the Cumberland Valley made it a frequent Confederate target during the Civil War—raided by J.E.B. Stuart in 1862, occupied in 1863, and burned by Confederate troops in 1864.
Why it matters
Chambersburg's wartime ordeal, ending in its burning, stands as one of the few times Civil War violence fell squarely on a Northern town.
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Related people
- · Benjamin Chambers
- · J.E.B. Stuart
Related events
- · Burning of Chambersburg, 1864
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Suesserott House
Chambersburg, PA · est. 1969
This Federal-era house, built around 1807, later served as the home of Dr. Jacob Suesserott, a well-regarded physician and surgeon. Its place in history was sealed on July 30, 1864, when Confederate cavalry under orders to extract a ransom set fire to Chambersburg; the flames that consumed much of the town were halted at this point. The burning of Chambersburg remains the only major Northern town destroyed by Confederate forces during the Civil War.
Confederate Conference
Chambersburg, PA · est. 1953
In the tense days before Gettysburg, the Confederate army swept north into Pennsylvania, and Chambersburg found itself briefly in the path of the invasion. On June 26, 1863, Robert E. Lee rode into the town square—the old "Diamond"—and conferred with corps commander A.P. Hill before setting up headquarters on the edge of town. Within days those same roads would carry his troops east toward the war's decisive battle.
Burning of Chambersburg
Chambersburg, PA · est. 1947
On the morning of July 30, 1864, Confederate cavalry under Gen. John McCausland rode into Chambersburg and demanded a ransom in gold and cash. When the town could not or would not pay, McCausland put it to the torch in retaliation for Union Gen. David Hunter's destruction in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. The fire gutted the heart of the town, making Chambersburg the only major Northern community burned by Confederate forces during the Civil War.
Masonic Temple
Chambersburg, PA · est. 1964
Raised in 1823-1824 as the Cumberland Valley was settling into the young republic, this hall was built expressly for Masonic fellowship and has served that purpose ever since — a rare continuity for an early American fraternal lodge. Its most dramatic hour came in July 1864, when Confederate cavalry put much of Chambersburg to the torch after the town refused to pay a ransom, yet this building was left standing amid the ruins.