Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, is the seat of Franklin County and has a population of 23,000.  Settlement began around 1730 when the Chambers brothers built a gristmill and sawmill at the confluence of Conococheague Creek and Falling Spring Creek, selecting the location specifically for its reliable water power. Officially founded in 1764, the town grew as a transportation center, first serving wagon traffic headed west toward Pittsburgh. In the late 1780s, the first organized wagon train passed through, followed by the opening of a major turnpike in 1814. Its history intersects with major national events, including the French and Indian War, the Whiskey Rebellion, and John Brown’s raid. During the Civil War, the borough became the only major northern community deliberately burned by Confederate forces, an event that destroyed much of the town.

That past is explored in detail through the area’s cultural institutions. The Chambersburg Heritage Center houses archival materials, photographs, and rotating exhibits that document the town’s industrial development, wartime destruction, and rebuilding efforts. Exhibits focus heavily on transportation history, early commerce, and the Civil War burning, providing context rather than broad summaries. Renfrew Museum and Park offers a preserved nineteenth-century farmstead, complete with original buildings, agricultural tools, and surrounding acreage that illustrate daily rural life. The site hosts demonstrations and seasonal programming that reflect how farming families lived and worked in the Cumberland Valley.

Outdoor spaces remain an important part of daily routines. The Chambersburg Memorial Park functions as a central green space, featuring walking paths, athletic fields, playgrounds, and open areas used for both recreation and community events. Mill Creek Acres Park provides a more wooded setting, with trails that follow the creek, picnic areas set back from roads, and shaded spaces that attract walkers and families looking for quieter outdoor time.

Dining options show a clear divide between traditional comfort food and a wider variety of cuisines. Copper Kettle is known for homestyle meals and baked goods, offering dishes such as meatloaf, pot roast, soups, pies, and breakfast items that keep regulars coming back for consistency. Umi Sushi All You Can Eat offers a contrasting experience, serving a wide selection of sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, and hot dishes like teriyaki and tempura, allowing diners to sample across the menu in a setting built for longer meals rather than quick service.

Local businesses lean toward independent ownership and niche focus. Willow & Birch operates as a boutique-style shop carrying home décor, gift items, and seasonal merchandise, with inventory arranged to encourage browsing rather than hurried purchases. NestFresh supports local agriculture through egg production and farm-based distribution, tying modern business activity directly to the region’s long-standing agricultural economy.

Entertainment options cover both family activities and the arts. Cluggy’s Amusement Center offers indoor attractions including arcade games, mini golf, and casual dining, making it a regular destination for group outings and weekend entertainment. Capitol Theatre Center serves as a performing arts venue, hosting concerts, stage productions, and community performances in a historic setting that remains active throughout the year.



The town’s older structures also carry stories that continue to circulate locally. The Old Jail, once used as a detention facility, is widely associated with reports of unexplained activity and remains a focal point for ghost stories tied to the area’s long and often turbulent history.

If you've noticed increased animal activity near your property, heard unexplained noises in the attic, walls, or crawl space, or sections of your home are suffering damage caused by unwanted wildlife intrusions, it's time to get help taking care of the problem. At S&S Professional Wildlife Control Services, we assist home and business owners in Chambersburg with their wildlife-related issues throughout the year. Whether you have raccoons under your porch, squirrels in the garage, or birds in the attic, don't hesitate to contact us today to schedule service or ask any questions you may have about what we can do for you.