150th Commemoration: 1864: The Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth of Chambersburg
(PRWEB) July 18, 2014 -- After the 1864 burning of Chambersburg, Union troops employed the battle cry "Remember Chambersburg!" Today, Chambersburg is not forgotten. It is consistently among the top-growing micropolitans in Pennsylvania. Total loss from the Confederate torching exceeded $1.6 million. Half the population lost their homes and livelihoods. Yet, residents resolved to rebuild. Chambersburg was populated by Scots-Irish and German--a hardy and industrious lot, who applied their faith, faced the task at hand, and got to work. Join the Franklin County Visitors Bureau in downtown Chambersburg, for the 150th Commemoration of the Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth of Chambersburg on July 18 at the Civil War Ball, 6:30 PM-9:30 PM at Central Presbyterian Church. Enjoy dancing with onsite instruction, the Rebirth Art Exhibit, and auction of art as well as period finger foods presented by Fabio. On Saturday, the 150th Commemoration of the 1864 Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth of Chambersburg takes center stage, beginning with guided walking tours from 5 PM to 6 PM. The kick-off program includes "A Conversation With Robert E. Lee" as portrayed by Al Stone, followed by a live auction of Chambersburg's Civil War Damage Claims officiated by John Kohler of Gateway Gallery Auction. Shortly before 9 PM, Confederates take to the streets, preparing to gather the towns' people and make the ransom demand. 1864: The Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth of Chambersburg includes a light show with atmospheric effect, so real the town appears to be ablaze.
The events are best viewed from Courthouse Plaza and the square of Chambersburg. Bring a lawn chair and commemorate Chambersburg's rebirth from the Great Fire of 1864. Download the Franklin County Visitors Bureau's mobile app, available in Android and Apple versions. The app focuses on the Civil War events of1864, and the history that happened on Memorial Square. Anyone downloading the app prior to the burning will be eligible to win a $100 gas card.
For more information about 1864: The Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth of Chambersburg visit DoDineStayFranklinCountyPA.com/burning or by calling the Franklin County Visitors Bureau at 866.646.8060.
Janet Pollard, Franklin County Visitors Bureau, http://www.ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com, +1 717-552-2977 Ext: 103, [email protected]
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