Chambersburg is a charming borough located in Pennsylvania. Chambersburg is the county seat of Franklin County. As of 2007, the borough was home to approximately 18,000 people. Chambersburg is in a great location, being only 16 miles north of Maryland and 52 miles southwest of Harrisburg.

Chambersburg History

Benjamin Chambers was the first to settle in the area in 1730. He was a Scots-Irish immigrant. Chambers established a grist mill and a saw mill where Falling Spring Creek joined Conococheague Creek. The creek provided power to the mills, and the settlement became known as “Falling Spring.”

In 1734, Chambers was issued a "Blunston license" to settle in the area, from a representative of the Penn family. Unfortunately, the European settlement in the area was of questionable legality until the treaty ending the French and Indian War, because not all Indian tribes with land claims had signed treaties. In order to maintain peace with the Indians, European settlers were sometimes removed from the nearby area. Benjamin Chambers helped in remove settlers from Burnt Cabins in 1750.

Chambersburg was officially incorporated in March of 1803. The area was declared the county seat when a formal government was established. A permanent courthouse built in 1793, and the first county jail was built 1795. 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 and Zion Reformed Church under the same agreement, and these churches came to be known as the “Rose Rent Churches.”

Chambersburg Parks and Recreation

Department of Parks and Recreation

Chambersburg maintains many parks and recreational areas for the enjoyment of the community members and visitors. Each park includes facilities such as ball friends, tennis courts, picnic areas, grills, and playgrounds.

Chambers Memorial Park
At Chambers Memorial Park you will find a large playground, softball fields, open fields, a basketball court, tennis courts, and a bandshell for concerts and other performances. There are also picnic areas complete with grills and a large pavilion.

Henninger Playground
Henninger Playground features a playground, sandbox, pavilion that seats approximately 25 people, swings, and open field areas. There is also one tennis court and a half-court basketball area.

Mike Waters Memorial Park
Mike Waters Memorial Park features 2 basketball courts, a pavilion, a large playground, picnic areas, and a softball field.

Chambersburg Municipal Pool
The Chambersburg Municipal Pool offers many amenities catering to families of all dynamics. There is a children’s pool for those 5 and under. There is also a large main pool that offers a 50 M section for lap swimmers, a wading area for novice swimmers, a diving area, and a 100' slide. Other facilities include a skate park, two sand volleyball courts, miniature golf, and tons of open space for lounging or games.

Chambersburg Events and Attractions

Chambersburg features a variety of events and attractions for you to enjoy. The Chambersburg Country Club is a center for events. For complete information on Chambersburg events and attractions, please check out the links included in this section.

Chambersburg, PA Country Club
Chambersburg Country Club was founded in 1921 on the banks of the Conococheague Creek. The club offers amazing amenities including premier dining, first class golf, and tennis and swimming facilities that are second to none.

Click here for more information on events and attractions

Also visit Chambersburg, PA Chamber of Commerce online here

For more information about schools in the Chambersburg area, please visit my Chambersburg area school guide.

For more information about relocation in the Chambersburg area, please visit my Chambersburg relocation guide.