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The Franklin County Visitors Bureau commemorates Chambersburg’s 1864 history with a re-enactment, inviting all to celebrate community spirit and resilience.

The Franklin County Visitors Bureau warmly invites everyone to honor the notables of 1864 Chambersburg and celebrate their bravery at Chambersburg’s 1864 Ransoming, Burning and Rebirth event on July 20.

At first glance, Chambersburg appears to be an ordinary town with tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and an attractive downtown. However, the events of July 30, 1864 reveal a deeper and more dramatic history.

Travel back 160 years to the burning day of July 30, 1864. Confederate general John McCausland Entered Chambersburg. He and his superiors proceeded to the Franklin Hotel in the town square for breakfast. there, McCausland ordered the arrest of leading citizens and announced their mission in Chambersburg: to demand a ransom of $100,000 in gold or $500,000 in Yankee dollars. Failure to pay the ransom will result in the town being burned. Unable to meet ransom demands, by noon, nearly 12 blocks of Chambersburg were engulfed in flames. More than 2,000 residents were left homeless, and more than 500 structures were destroyed in the Great Fire. The year 2024 marks the 160th anniversary of this momentous day.

On Saturday, July 20, 2024, the community will gather to commemorate the 1864 Ransom, Burning and Resurrection of Chambersburg. The event celebrates the community spirit and resilience that brought Chambersburg back to life from the ashes of destruction.

Paying tribute to the strength of the 1864 residents began in 2011 as part of Civil War sesquicentennial events. Adams County. Hosted by the Franklin County Visitors Bureau (FCVB) and brought to life by Esslinger Lighting, the commemoration of 1864 has become an annual tradition. This year’s event has a modern twist—an LED panel display with a live feed to enhance the audience experience.

July 20 promises a day full of excitement, culminating in a historical re-enactment and light show depicting the 1864 Ransom, Burning and Rebirth of Chambersburg. This year’s lineup includes:

• 9 AM – 4 PM: Old Market Day showcases an array of unique arts, crafts and festive foods along the streets of Chambersburg with over 100 stalls. Local businesses hold sidewalk sales, and the courthouse plaza offers a variety of entertainment.
• 10 AM – 4 PM: At the Franklin County Historical Society on King Street, celebrate 1864 resident Louisa Brand, who bravely wrapped herself in the American flag and stood up for the Confederacy. The flag she used is displayed in the Burning of Chambersburg exhibit.
• 9 AM – 8 PM: The Franklin County Visitors Bureau (FCVB) at 15 South Main Street features a children’s area with crafts, coloring pages and a ball pit. Watch the latest FCVB-TV episodes in the video vault, take photos at selfie stations and enter a drawing for a gift basket filled with local goodies and five passes to the Chambersburg Aquatic Center. The drawing takes place at 5:45 pm at the Courthouse Plaza. Throughout the day, enjoy a self-paced Civil War walking tour; Visit ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com/1864-burning for an audio guide.
• 4 PM – 9 PM: The Chambersburg Volunteer Firemen’s Museum at 441 Broad Street offers free tours, including an 1850 hose cart used by the Friendship Fire Company when Chambersburg burned.
• 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm: An evening horse and wagon tour highlights current properties and their 1864 counterparts. The free ride lasts about 12 minutes, with donations accepted for Homeless Matters and Habitat for Humanity. Wagons load on the northwest side of the Memorial Fountain.
• 5:30 PM – 8 PM: Enjoy food from vendors such as Copper Fox Coffee, Boost Burger, Jerky Shack and Yard Goat Treats. Dining options along Main Street include Classic Family Diner, Don Checo’s, Verona Cafe, Falafel Shack and Bistro 71.
• 6 PM – 8:30 PM: Courthouse Plaza hosts A Cappella & Unplugged’s 10th anniversary and 2024 finals. Finalist Jeff Trish, Marissa Porter, Kiley Heltzel, Disaster and JustusAnd Paul Minnich Audience members compete by voting for their favorite performance. The winner, who will receive $500, will be crowned the 2024 champion.
• 8:45 PM: Join thousands as the town is sent back to 1864 for a dramatic re-enactment of its ransom by Confederate soldiers.

Chambersburg’s 1864 Ransom, Burning and Rebirth is an immersive re-enactment and light show featuring atmospheric effects and actors. The performance takes place on the steps of the 1865 Franklin County Courthouse. Bring your lawn or stadium chair and enjoy the event, rain or shine.

The Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites everyone to discover Franklin County, PA and experience its rich history, arts, architecture, entertainment, natural beauty, fresh food and the warm hospitality of communities like Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg, Shippensburg and Waynesboro. Located north of the Mason-Dixon line, Franklin County, PA is an easy drive from Washington DC, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.