Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

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Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Skyline of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
County Franklin County
Founded 1730
Government
 - Mayor John A. Redding, Jr.
Area
 - City  6.9 sq mi (17.9 km²)
 - Land  6.9 sq mi (17.9 km²)
 - Water  0 sq mi (0 km²)
Elevation  713 ft (217.3 m)
Population (United States Census Estimate, 2000)
 - City 17,862
Time zone EST (UTC-5)
 - Summer (DST) EDT (UTC)

Chambersburg is a borough 52 miles (84 km) southwest of Harrisburg in the Cumberland Valley, part of the Great Appalachian Valley. The borough is the county seat of Franklin County, Pennsylvania.GR6 As of the 2000 census, the borough's population was 17,862.

Settlement began in 1730 and 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, Pennsylvania and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Contents

[edit] History

Franklin County Courthouse following the 1864 McCausland raid.
Franklin County Courthouse following the 1864 McCausland raid.

"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. The creek provided power to the mills, and settlement was known as "Falling Spring" or "Falling Springs." 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.

Chambersburg was incorporated in 1803 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.[1] 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.[2] 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 1778) under the same agreement, and these churches came to be known as the "Rose Rent Churches." A Catholic community organized in 1785. The Jewish cemetery dates back to 1840.

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.[3] Benjamin Chambers built a stone fort during the war[4] and fighting occurred nearby.[5] The Forbes Road and other trails going to Fort Pitt passed nearby as well.[6] [7]

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.[8] 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.

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.[9] 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.[10] According to Douglas's account, Brown described the planned raid in detail and Douglas advised him against it. Douglas also provided $10 from a supporter, and had helped Green - a future raider - locate Brown.

General John McCausland
General John McCausland

During the American Civil War on October 11, 1862, Confederate Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart and his cavalrymen looted Chambersburg during a raid into the North. 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. Later, much of the Army of Northern Virginia passed through Chambersburg 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. 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.[11]

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.

[edit] Geography

Map of Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
Map of Franklin County, Pennsylvania.

Chambersburg is located at 39°56′5″N, 77°39′23″W (39.934813, -77.656352).GR1

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 17.8 km² (6.9 mi²), all land. The elevation is 617 feet above sea level.[12] Chambersburg is located in a valley next to the Appalachian Mountains. It also sits right outside of Caledonia State Park, a 1125 acre 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 85,000 acre 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.

[edit] Demographics

As of the censusGR2 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.

[edit] 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 29916 acres of land. Franklin also has 344 wheat farms and 299 barley farms which combined cover 14063 acres.[13] Manufacturing in Chambersburg includes machinery production, metal fabrication, and food processing. According to the 1997 Economic Census[14] 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, even with the dawn of the 21st century. Retail stores such as Walmart and Lowes serve the population with jobs and basic needs.

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. In 2004 Chambersburg had a per capita personal income (PCPI) of $28,208, below the national average of $33,050.[15]

[edit] 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.[16]

  • Mayor John A. Redding, Jr.[17]
  • Council:
    • 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)

[edit] Education

[edit] Wilson College

Main article: Wilson College (Pennsylvania)

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.

[edit] Chambersburg Area Senior High School

Main article: Chambersburg Area Senior High School

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.[18]

[edit] J. Frank Faust Junior High School

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.

[edit] Chambersburg Area Middle School

CAMS is a 2001-2002 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, is the only public school for sixth and seventh grade students in the Chambersburg Area School District.

There are also fifteen public elementary schools.

[edit] Private schools

Corpus Christi is a Catholic school with 310 students, and over 20 teachers.[19]

Cumberland Valley Christian School is a private Christian kindergarten through twelfth grade academy located in Chambersburg. It is affiliated with the Open Door Church. The school has approximately four hundred students. The school participates in MDCC athletics.

Other private schools include the Montessori Academy of Chambersburg, and several elementary schools with Mennonite, Baptist, Brethern, Christian Science, and other religious orientations.[20]

[edit] Coyle Free Library

The library[21] has roots going back to 1891[22] 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.

[edit] Notable people

  • 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.
  • Baseball Hall of Famer Nellie Fox was born and lived just west of town in St. Thomas Township.
  • Patrick Gass, the last surviving member of the Lewis and Clark expedition was born just outside Chambersburg at Falling Springs (1771).
  • The Rev. John Grier Hibben, later President of Princeton University, served as pastor of Falling Springs Presbyterian Church, 1888-1891.
  • Chambersburg is the birthplace (1958) of renowned Mayanist scholar, epigrapher and anthropologist Stephen D. Houston.
  • Joseph Winters an African-American inventor and abolitionist.

[edit] Publications

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

[edit] References

  1. ^ Kittochtinny Historical Society accessed 3/25/2007
  2. ^ Downtown – the Heart of Chambersburg accessed 3/25/2007
  3. ^ Kittochtinny Historical Society accessed 3/25/2007
  4. ^ Chambersburg, Online Encyclopedia Originally appearing in Volume V05, Page 822 of the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica, accessed 3/25/2007
  5. ^ The French and Indian War in Pennsylvania accessed 3/25/2007
  6. ^ The Pennsylvania Road accessed 3/25/2007
  7. ^ The Carnegie Library of Pittsburg, The Point: Indian Trails to Fort Duquesne accessed 3/25/2007
  8. ^ from The Diaries of George Washington accessed 3/25/2007
  9. ^ Aboard the Underground Railway, John Brown House accessed 3/25/2007
  10. ^ excerpt from The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass, (1881, reprint New York: Pathway Press, 1941), pp. 350-354 accessed 3/25/2007
  11. ^ The Burning of Chamberburg, from Public Opinion, Chambersburg, PA, August 2, 1870 accessed 3/25/2007
  12. ^ epodunk.com Chambersburg accessed 3/24/2007
  13. ^ Pennsylvania Crop Map, Purdue University
  14. ^ 1997 Economic Census Summary Statistics for Franklin County, PA
  15. ^ Bureau of Economic Analysis, Franklin County, PA
  16. ^ Borough of Chambersburg - Structure accessed 2/25/2007
  17. ^ 2005-2006 Borough Council. Borough of Chambersburg. Retrieved on December 22, 2006.
  18. ^ Dr. Barry Purvis of CASHS named state High School Principal of the Year, Chambersburg Gazette News, February 15, 2006.
  19. ^ Corpus Christi school website
  20. ^ Private Schools in Chambersburg PA accessed 3/24/2007
  21. ^ Coyle Free Library
  22. ^ Manuscript from the Coyle Free Library, Our Library Roots and Branches, Jane K. Schleicher, Librarian, November 7, 1979 accessed 3/25/2007

[edit] External links

  v • d • e 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 | Wayne Heights
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