10/10/2026
Civil War Raids on Chambersburg, Part 1 of 3
On this day, Chambersburg, PA, is raided for the first time during the Civil War when General J.E.B. Stuart of the Confederate Army rode into town.
A month after the Battle of Antietam, General Robert E. Lee wished to fulfill some of his thwarted Maryland Campaign objectives. He ordered J.E.B. Stuart to lead a cavalry raid. This unit of 1800 men and four cannons made the Union Army of the Potomac look foolish as Stuart raided into Pennsylvania by sending a few men to distract the Union Army while the main force crossed into Pennsylvania via Williamsport, MD.
Upon entering Chambersburg, telegraph wires were cut and Stuart demanded the town's surrender, which he received. His men took needed supplies from a warehouse and destroyed the rest. They then set fire to the Cumberland Valley Railroad depot, train cars, machine shops and warehouses as the CVRR had been aiding the Union Army.
An attempt to destroy an important bridge over the Conococheague Creek failed, however, due to locals claiming the bridge was made out of iron and could not easily be destroyed. In truth, the bridge was actually made out of wood and was later destroyed during the Gettysburg Campaign.
Stuart was able to escape because Union Army General George McClellan was slow to respond and was further fooled by a diversionary force moving toward Cumberland, MD. The result of these raids partially led to President Lincoln relieving General McClellan of command of the Army of the Potomac.
Keep an eye out in the upcoming months for further entries in this three-part series.
City Park Train Hub is currently closed for the season but don't miss out on the Haunted Tours beginning on October 16. Please see the event pages for more details.
