Chambersburg

 

borough (1990 pop. 16,647), seat of Franklin co., S Pa.; settled 1730, inc. 1803. Food products, apparel, construction materials, and transportation equipment are produced. Chambersburg was the headquarters of abolitionist John Brown in 1859 and of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee before the battle of Gettysburg. The town was raided by Confederate cavalry in July, 1864, when it was burned after refusing to pay an indemnity of $100,000 in gold. It is the seat of Wilson College.

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
County	Franklin County
Founded	1730
Incorporated	March 21, 1803
Government
- Mayor	John A. Redding, Jr. (Died May 21, 2007) Samuel Worley (appointed)
Area
- Borough	sq mi (km²)
- Land	sq mi ( km²)
- Water	sq mi ( km²)
Elevation [2]	ft ( m)
Population (2005)[1]
- Borough
- Density	/sq mi (/km²)
Time zone	EST (UTC-5)
- Summer (DST)	EDT (UTC)

Chambersburg is a borough in Pennsylvania, United States. It is  miles ( km) southwest of Harrisburg in the Cumberland Valley, part of the Great Appalachian Valley. The borough is the county seat of Franklin County, Pennsylvania.⁶ As of the 2000 census, the borough's population was 17,862.

Its settlement began in 1730 when water mills were built along the creek that now runs through the centre of the town. Its history includes episodes related to the French and Indian War, the Whiskey Rebellion, John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry, and the American Civil War.

It is located along the Lincoln Highway, US 30, between McConnellsburg and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and along US 11 between Shippensburg, Pennsylvania and Hagerstown, Maryland.

History

Settlement

Native Americans living or hunting in the area during the 18th century included the Iroquois, Lenni Lenape and Shawnee^[3] "Falling Spring" was first settled by Colonel Benjamin Chambers, a Scots-Irish immigrant, in 1730, who started a grist mill and saw mill by a waterfall where Falling Spring Creek joined Conococheague Creek.^[4] The creek provided power to the mills, and settlement was known as "Falling Spring." European settlement in the area was illegal or of questionable legality until the treaty ending the French and Indian War. The area was officially part of Chester County, then Lancaster, and then Cumberland until it became part of the newly established Franklin County in 1784.^[5]

Chambersburg was incorporated on March 21, 1803,^[6] and declared the County Seat when the State Assembly established a formal government. The first courthouse was John Jack's tavern on the diamond (town square) in 1784, with a permanent courthouse built in 1793, and the first county jail built 1795.^[7] The "Old Jail" was built in 1818, survived the fire of 1864 and is the oldest jail building in Pennsylvania. It was originally used as the sheriff's residence and had the longest continuous use of any jail in the state, operating until 1971. Today the Old Jail is a museum and home to the Kittochtinny Historical Society of Chambersburg.^[8] The county's gallows still stand in the jail's courtyard.

The earliest church was established by Scots-Irish Presbyterians in 1734. Chambers gave land to the congregation in 1768, requiring only a single rose as annual rent. Later land was given to the First Lutheran Church (1780) and Zion Reformed Church (organized in 1780) under the same agreement, and these churches came to be known as the "Rose Rent Churches."^[9] A Catholic community organized in 1785. The Jewish cemetery dates back to 1840.

In 1748 a local militia was formed for protection against Indians, with Benjamin Chambers being named colonel.

Chambersburg was on the frontier during the French and Indian War. The area's population dropped from about 3,000 in 1755 at the start of the war to about 300, with most settlers not returning until after 1764 when the peace treaty was signed.^[7] Benjamin Chambers built a stone fort during the war,^[4] which was equipped with two 4 pounder cannons^[3] and fighting occurred nearby.^[10][3] The Forbes Road and other trails going to Fort Pitt passed nearby as well.^[11][12]

Fighting continued in the area after the war, most notably the Enoch Brown school massacre during Pontiac's Rebellion and the Black Boys rebellion against British troops at Fort Loudon.

In 1775, soon after the Battle of Lexington, local troops were raised to fight the British in the American Revolution under the command of Benjamin Chambers's eldest son Captain James Chambers. These troops were among the first non-New Englanders to join the siege of Boston. James Chambers fought for seven years during the revolution, reaching the rank of Brigader General. His two brothers, William and Benjamin, Jr., each served throughout the war and reached the rank of Captain.^[3] Local troops fought at the Battle of Long Island, and at White Plains, Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth.

During the Whiskey Rebellion, President George Washington led United States troops through town on the way from Carlisle to Bedford, staying overnight on October 12, 1794. According to tradition, Washington lodged with Dr. Robert Johnson, a surgeon in the Pennsylvania line during the Revolution.^[13] This march was one of only two times that a sitting president personally commanded the military in the field. (The other was after President James Madison fled the British occupation of Washington, D.C. during the War of 1812.) After sending the troops toward Pittsburgh from Bedford under General "Light Horse Harry" Henry Lee, Washington returned through Chambersburg sometime after October 20.

Civil War era

By 1859, Chambersburg was a stop on the Underground Railroad. John Brown stayed in an upstairs room at Mary Ritner's boarding house between June and October, 1859 while preparing for his disastrous raid on Harpers Ferry. The house still stands at 225 East King Street. While in Chambersburg he posed as Dr. Isaac Smith, an iron mine developer, and bought and stored weapons under the guise of mining equipment.^[14] Brown (using the name John Smith) and John Henry Kagi met with Frederick Douglass and Shields Green at an abandoned quarry outside of town to discuss the raid on August 19.^[15] According to Douglass's account, Brown described the planned raid in detail and Douglass advised him against it. Douglass also provided $10 from a supporter, and had helped Green - a future raider - locate Brown.

During the American Civil War on October 10, 1862, Confederate Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, with 1800 cavalrymen, raided Chambersburg, destroying $250,000 of railroad property and taking 500 guns and hundreds of horses. Chambersburg residents said that they were remarkably well behaved.^[16]

During the early days of the 1863 Gettysburg Campaign, a Virginia cavalry brigade under Brig. Gen. Albert G. Jenkins occupied the town and burned several warehouses and Cumberland Valley Railroad structures and a nearby bridge. From June 24-28, 1863, much of the Army of Northern Virginia passed through Chambersburg^[17][18] en route to Carlisle and Gettysburg, and Robert E. Lee established his headquarters at a nearby farm.

The following year, Chambersburg was invaded for a third time, as cavalry dispatched from the Shenandoah Valley by Jubal Early arrived.^[19] On July 30, 1864, a large portion of the town was burned down under orders from Brig. Gen. John McCausland for failing to provide a ransom of $500,000 in US currency, or $100,000 in gold.^[20][21] Among the few buildings left standing was the Masonic Temple, which had been guarded under orders by a Confederate mason.^[22] "Remember Chambersburg" soon became a Union battle cry.^[23]

Memorial Fountain, built in the center of the diamond to honor the Civil War soldiers, was dedicated on July 17, 1878 with fifteen thousand people in attendance. A statue of a Union soldier stands next to the fountain facing south to guard against the return of southern raiders.

Geography

Chambersburg is located at 39°56′5″N, 77°39′23″W (39.934813, -77.656352).¹

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of  square kilometers ( sq mi), all land. The elevation is  feet ( m) above sea level.^[24] Chambersburg is located in a valley next to the Appalachian Mountains. It also sits right outside of Caledonia State Park, a  acre ( km²) park with fishing and hunting areas and hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail. Also outside of Chambersburg is Michaux State Forest, a  acre ( km²) forest. Both of theses places provide recreation for residents.

Conococheague Creek, a noted trout stream, runs through the center of town. It is a tributary of the Potomac River. The northernmost reach of the Potomac watershed is a few miles north of town.

Chambersburg has a cold climate, according to the United States Department of Energy,^[25][26] with the area receives anywhere from 38 to 42 inches of precipitation per year.^[27] The average January low is  °F ( °C) and the average high is  °F ( °C). The average July high is  °F ( °C) and the average low is  °F ( °C).^[28]

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 17,862 people, 7,722 households, and 4,386 families residing in the borough. The population density was 1,003.9/km² (2,601.3/mi²). There were 8,305 housing units at an average density of 466.8/km² (1,209.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the borough was 86.43% White, 7.56% African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.87% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 3.08% from other races, and 1.83% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.38% of the population.

There were 7,722 households out of which 24.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.2% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.2% were non-families. 37.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the borough the population was spread out with 20.8% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 22.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 81.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.1 males.

The median income for a household in the borough was $32,336, and the median income for a family was $40,352. Males had a median income of $31,803 versus $21,548 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $19,278. About 9.8% of families and 12.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.3% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.

The population stood at 7,863 in 1890; 8,864 in 1900; 11,800 in 1910; 13,171 in 1920; and 14,852 in 1940. It was estimated to be at 17,961 in July 2005.

Economy

The surrounding area has a large farming population, including many Amish and Mennonite families. Franklin county's largest crop is maize (corn), with 579 farms that cover  acres ( km²) of land. Franklin also has 344 wheat farms and 299 barley farms which combined cover  acres ( km²).^[29] Manufacturing in Chambersburg includes machinery production, metal fabrication, and food processing. According to the 1997 Economic Census^[30] of Franklin County, the largest sectors by payroll were manufacturing, retail trade, and health care and social assistance. The economy of the area is still largely based on agriculture.

Retail stores such as Wal-Mart and Lowe's serve the population with jobs and basic needs. The Chambersburg Mall, which houses four anchor stores plus about fifty smaller stores, is located in the unincorporated village of Scotland, about four miles north of town on Interstate 81.^[31]

The city's location on Interstate 81 within 100 miles of both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland encourages trucking and distribution businesses. The Letterkenny Army Depot five miles north of town is a major employer. Camp David also provides jobs for Chambersburg residents. In 2004 Chambersburg had a per capita personal income (PCPI) of $28,208, below the national average of $33,050.^[32]

Culture

Residents of Chambersburg maintain a small town feeling. Most recreation is done through sporting events such as high school football games and baseball games. People in the area speak with a Pittsburgh English or Central Pennsylvania accent, such as over pronouncing "O's" and "I's." Caledonia State Park provides an area for outdoor activities, with the park especially busy on July 4^th. Citizens are mostly Republicans in favor of gun ownership, hence hunting is a large outlet.

These places in Chambersburg are on the National Register of Historic Places:^[33]

Site	Address	Listed
Brotherton Farm	SW of Chambersburg on Falling Spring Rd.	1979
Brown, John, House	225 E. King St.	1970
Chambersburg Historic District	US 11 and US 30 (2320 acres, 159 buildings)	1982
Coldbrook Farm	955 Spring Ln.	1996
Finley, James, House	Building No. 505, Letterkenny Army Depot	1974
Franklin County Courthouse	1 N. Main St., Memorial Square	1974
Franklin County Jail	NW corner of King and 2nd Sts.	1970
Gass House	E of Chambersburg off U.S. 30	1977
Rocky Spring Presbyterian Church	Rocky Spring Rd., approx. .5 mi. NW of Funk Rd.,	1994
Masonic Temple	74 S. 2nd St.	1976
Memorial Fountain and Statue	Memorial Square	1978
Wilson College	1015 Philadelphia Ave. (550 acres, 17 buildings)	1995

Government

The municipal government operates under the Pennsylvania Borough Code, with the Town Council holding both legislative and executive authority. The ten councilmen are elected from five wards; two from each ward with staggered four year terms. The Mayor administers the Police Department and can cast tie-breaking votes on the Council. Other departments are administered by the Borough Manager.^[34]

William F. McLaughlin is the acting Mayor after the death of John A. Redding, Jr. on May 21, 2007.^[35]

As of May 2007, the town councilmen are:

• 1st ward: William F. McLaughlin (President of Council) and Allen B. Coffman
• 2nd ward: Ruth M. Harbaugh (Assistant Finance Chairman) and Janet L. Lukic
• 3rd ward: Elaine M. Swartz and Glenn K. Manns (Finance Chairman)
• 4th ward: Mary Beth Shank and Sharon A. Bigler
• 5th ward: Heath Talhelm and Robert A.Wareham, Sr. (Vice-President of Council)

Chambersburg is part of the 9th Congressional District of Pennsylvania and represented by Bill Shuster (R) in the House of Representatives, and by Arlen Spector (R), and Bob Casey, Jr.(D) in the Senate.

Education

Further information: Wilson College (Pennsylvania)

Further information: Chambersburg Area Senior High School

Wilson College is a private, Presbyterian-related, liberal arts women's college founded in 1869 and named for its first major donor, Sarah Wilson of Chambersburg. The college has 800 students and is known for its Women With Children, Veterinary Medical Technician, and Equestrian programs.

Chambersburg Area Senior High School (CASHS) is a public school with around 1,800 students in grades 10-12, drawn from the borough of Chambersburg and the surrounding townships of Hamilton, Greene, Lurgan, Letterkenny and Guilford. CASHS is accredited by the Middle States Association and has occupied its current facilities since 1955. Principal Dr. Barry Purvis was recognized as the 2006 High School Principal of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals.^[36]

SSVC is a state owned school that offers tuition-free residential education programs for children of Pennsylvania residents who are veterans or are currently serving in the U.S. armed forces.^[37] It is located about four miles north of Chambersburg in the unincorporated village of Scotland and has about 300 students in grades 3-12. The school was established in 1895 as the Pennsylvania Soldiers Orphans Industrial School. Over 10,000 students have been educated at the school. The 186-acre campus contains about 70 buildings including residential cottages.^[38]

Faust is the only public junior high school for eighth and ninth grade students of the Chambersburg Area School District. It serves about 1400 students.

CAMS is the only public school for sixth and seventh grade students in the Chambersburg Area School District. During the 2001-02 school year, Chambersburg Area Middle School was recognized with the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education,^[39] the highest award an American school can receive.^[40][41]

The Chambersburg school district includes seventeen elementary schools. Many school are receiving upgrade, being rebuilt or being closed, because of out of date buiding and lack of space.

Private schools include Corpus Christi, a Catholic school with 310 students and over 20 teachers,^[42] and Cumberland Valley Christian School, a private Christian kindergarten through twelfth grade academy located in Chambersburg. Cumberland Valley Christian School is affiliated with the Open Door Church and has approximately four hundred students. The school participates in MDCC athletics. Other private schools include the Montessori Academy of Chambersburg and Shalom Christian Academy (K-12, Mennonite affiliation), and several elementary schools with Mennonite, Baptist, Brethern, Christian Science, and other religious orientations.^[43]

Coyle Free Library^[44] has roots going back to 1891^[45] when a library of 166 books was organized by the local Afternoon Club. A member of the club, Blanche Coyle, left of bequest of $30,435 in 1915 to construct a library building. The building was completed in 1924, located at the corner of Second and Queen Streets. Later the library was made part of the Franklin County Library and began to receive funds from the County and State, though the Afternoon Club still donated funds though at least 1979. The building currently occupied is a former post office.

Notable people from Chambersburg

• Philip Berlin, inventor of the first railroad sleeping car.^[46]
• Tom Brookens, pro baseball player from 1979-1990. Played third-base for the 1984 World Series Champion Detroit Tigers. Now coaches the Detroit Tigers minor league affiliate West Michigan Whitecaps (A)
• Abolistionist publisher Martin Delany, who in 1865 became the first African-American field officer in the U.S. Army, was educated in Chambersburg in the 1830s.
• Henry Burchard Fine (1858-1928) was a dean at Princeton University and mathematician.
• Baseball Hall of Famer Nellie Fox was born and lived just west of town in St. Thomas Township.
• Patrick Gass (1771-1870), the last surviving member of the Lewis and Clark expedition was born just outside Chambersburg (Falling Spring).
• The Rev. John Grier Hibben, later President of Princeton University, served as pastor of Falling Spring Presbyterian Church, 1888-1891.

• Stephen D. Houston a renowned Mayanist scholar, epigrapher and anthropologist was born in Chambersburg in 1958.
• David Fullerton Robison, a U.S. Representative, who in 1859 died of National Hotel disease.
• Joseph Winters an African-American inventor and abolitionist, moved to Chambersburg in 1830..
• Sarah Wilson the namesake and first major donor of Wilson College, 1869, a private women's college.

Publications

• History of Franklin County, (Chicago, 1887)
• Images of America: Chambersburg, Maurice Leonard Marotte III & Janet Kay Pollard (Arcadia, 2005)

References

External links

• Public Opinion – local newspaper
• Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce
• Franklin County Historical Society-Kittochtinny
• The Burning of Chambersburg
• The Old Jewish Cemetery of Chambersburg
• Council For The Arts
• CASHS Official Link
• CAMS Official Link
• J. Frank Faust Jr. High School Official Link

Coordinates: 39.934813° N 77.656352° W

Municipalities and communities of Franklin County, Pennsylvania
County seat: Chambersburg
Boroughs	Chambersburg | Greencastle | Mercersburg | Mont Alto | Orrstown | Shippensburg | Waynesboro
Townships	Antrim | Fannett | Greene | Guilford | Hamilton | Letterkenny | Lurgan | Metal | Montgomery | Peters | Quincy | Southampton | St. Thomas | Warren | Washington
Communities and CDPs	Fayetteville | Guilford | Rouzerville | State Line | Wayne Heights

	County Seats of Pennsylvania
Cities	Allentown | Butler | Easton | Erie | Franklin | Greensburg | Harrisburg | Lancaster | Lebanon | Lock Haven | Meadville | New Castle | Philadelphia | Pittsburgh | Pottsville | Reading | Scranton | Sunbury | Uniontown | Warren | Washington | Wilkes-Barre | Williamsport | York
Boroughs	Beaver | Bedford | Bellefonte | Bloomfield| Brookville | Carlisle | Chambersburg | Clarion | Clearfield | Coudersport | Danville | Doylestown | Ebensburg | Emporium | Gettysburg | Hollidaysburg | Honesdale | Huntingdon | Indiana | Jim Thorpe | Kittanning | Laporte | Lewisburg | Lewistown | McConnellsburg | Media | Mercer | Middleburg | Mifflintown | Milford | Montrose | Norristown | Ridgway | Smethport | Somerset | Stroudsburg | Tionesta | Towanda | Tunkhannock | Waynesburg | Wellsboro | West Chester
Town	Bloomsburg

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