The Old Jail offers a tangible starting point for exploring Chambersburg’s history: built in 1818, it survived the burning of the town by Confederate troops in 1864. The Chambersburg Heritage Center and ChambersFest also explore historical themes, while the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail and Memorial Park offer a focus on the outdoors. You can shape your stay around your cultural interests or time outside.
History at the Old Jail and Heritage Center
Several rooms in the Old Jail and part of the newer cell block make up a museum featuring historical artifacts from Franklin County. The building itself survived the destruction of 1864 and is now part of the museum visit. The Old Jail can be visited only as part of a guided tour. Plan accordingly and check in advance which tour times are offered.
The Chambersburg Heritage Center offers a different kind of visit: it is a self-guided interpretive center whose exhibits explain five areas of historical significance in Chambersburg and Franklin County. The center is located on Memorial Square in a renovated marble bank building dating to 1915, within the National Historic District. The building was formerly the Valley National Bank. Its former use is therefore part of the site’s architectural history, as is its current role as an exhibition center.
Unlike the Old Jail, the Heritage Center is self-guided; its exhibits take visitors through five historical subject areas. Together, the two sites offer different ways to explore history: the Old Jail through a historic prison building and artifacts, and the Heritage Center through exhibits on several topics from the town and county.
ChambersFest and the memory of 1864
ChambersFest is an annual festival commemorating Chambersburg’s rebirth after the town was burned on July 30, 1864, during the Civil War. It also makes the town’s history the focus of a recurring event. If you’d like to plan your stay around ChambersFest, check the dates of the events in advance.
Get active on the Rail Trail and spend time in Memorial Park
The Chambersburg section of the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail is a 1.6-mile linear park. You can walk, jog, ride a bike, walk your dog, skateboard, and inline skate there. Its length and linear layout give the section a different character from a traditional park; the range of activities offers several ways to spend time outdoors.
Chambersburg Memorial Park covers 37 acres. Numerous mature trees and many shaded areas define the park. If you’re weighing the two outdoor options, the main difference is their focus: the Rail Trail section offers several ways to get active, while Memorial Park stands out for its size, trees, and shade. You can choose based on whether you’re looking for an activity or a shady park setting.
Discover more destinations: Shady Grove, Rouzerville.
See the full travel guide: Franklin.
