Join the Franklin County Visitors Bureau on July 18, at 11:30 AM, for a special presentation of 1864 Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth of Chambersburg. Travel back to July 30, 1864 when General John McCausland and 2,800 Confederate cavalrymen rode into Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, rang the Courthouse bell and gathered the citizens of the small town to read a ransom demand of $100,000 in gold or $500,000 in Yankee currency. When Chambersburg could not pay the ransom, the town was fired, leaving more than 500 structures in ashes and 2,000 people without homes.
The 2020 presentation does not include a light show, but the history is brought to life as if it were a radio show. The historical presentation of 1864 will be broadcast outside the 11/30 Visitors Center and simultaneously on local station Talk Radio 103.7. Ironically, 1920 marks the 100th anniversary of commercial radio broadcasts. A compilation of highlights from previous performances of 1864 will be aired during the radio style show and can also be viewed on www.ExploreFranklinCountyPA and www.Facebook.com/FCVBen.
Along with the presentation of the 1864, the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center will also host the annual musical event, A Cappella & Unplugged which features a variety of regional, musical talent. At 1:30PM the contestants of Round 1 will perform at the 11/30 Visitors Center as each hope to move onto Round 2—a step closer to the top prize of $500. Shoppers will enjoy the sales throughout downtown and a variety of food trucks on the square.
The Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites all to explore Franklin County PA and enjoy the history, arts, recreation, natural beauty, fresh foods and warm hospitality of communities like Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg, Shippensburg, and Waynesboro. Franklin County PA is located just north of the Mason Dixon Line and is an easy drive from Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Discover more. Plan your visit at ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com, by contacting 866.646.8060, or by visiting the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center on the square in Chambersburg.