Burning of Chambersburg to be re-enacted Saturday

July 18, 2012

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — On Saturday, history replays with “1864 The Burning of Chambersburg,” when Confederate cavalry, under the command of Gen. John McCausland, serve a ransom on the town’s courthouse steps.

True to history, Chambersburg does not pay the ransom demand of $100,000 in gold or $500,000 in greenbacks, and the town is burned — with lights.

“1864 The Burning of Chambersburg” is an impressive and realistic re-enactment and is interactive as Confederate soldiers take to the crowd, searching for shoes, food and valuables, according to a news release from the Franklin County Visitors Bureau.

Leading up to the burning of Chambersburg at 9 p.m., the downtown area will offer Civil War period music, book signings and living history from 6 to 8:30 p.m., as well as a special edition of Food Fight on 11/30, featuring the “the hottest wings.”

Ted Alexander will be signing copies of his book, “The Battle of Antietam: The Bloodiest Day,” and Bob O’Connor will be signing, “A House Divided Against Itself,” as well as several other books, including “The Virginian Who Might Have Saved Lincoln” and “The Perfect Steel Trap.”

The book signings will take place near the courthouse steps, and the taping of Food Fight on 11/30 will be on the courthouse plaza.

Earlier in the day, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is Chambersburg’s annual street fair, Celebrate! The Arts at Old Market Day.

For more information on “1864 The Burning of Chambersburg” and more to see and do in Franklin County, visit www.ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com.

This YouTube video provides background information on the history of the burning, as well as pictures from last year's commemoration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT92xyCH1QE&feature=relmfu

|

|

|