National Register Listings in
Franklin County, Pennsylvania

Angle Farm Borough Hall of the Borough of Waynesboro Bridge between Guilford and Hamilton Townships Bridge in Metal Township Brotherton Farm Brown, John, House Burns, Jeremiah, Farm Carrick Furnace Chambersburg and Bedford Turnpike Road Company Toll House Chambersburg Historic District Church Hill Farm Coldbrook Farm Corker Hill Culbertson-Harbison Farm Donaldson, Widow, Place Findlay Farm Finley, James, House Franklin County Courthouse Franklin County Jail Franklin Furnace Historic District Gass House Greencastle Historic District Hamilton, Alexander, House Handycraft Farmstead Harbaugh's Reformed Church Hays Bridge Historic District Horse Valley Bridge Irwinton Historic District Kennedy, Robert, Memorial Presbyterian Church Lane House Mansfield Martin's Mill Covered Bridge Masonic Temple McClay's Twin Bridge (East) McClay's Twin Bridge (West) McCoy-Shoemaker Farm Memorial Fountain and Statue Mercersburg Academy Mercersburg Historic District Mercersburg Historic District (Boundary Increase) Millmont Farm Mitchell-Shook House Monterey Historic District Mt. Pleasant Iron Works House Old Brown's Mill School Oller, Joseph J., House Red Run Lodge Rock Hill Farm Rocky Spring Presbyterian Church Royer-Nicodemus House and Farm Skinner Tavern Spring Grove Farm and Distillery Springdale Mills Stover-Winger Farm Townhouse Row Waynesboro Armory Waynesboro Historic District Welty's Mill Bridge White House Inn Wilson College Woodland Work, Col. John, House Yeakle's Mill Bridge Zion Reformed Church
The first recorded U.S. flag-raising on foreign soil occurred in 1777, when the Stars and Stripes were flown during a naval battle off the coast of Quiberon Bay, France, commanded by Pennsylvania native John Paul Jones.
Franklin County, Pennsylvania, has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1784. The county is named after Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Shawnee and the Seneca.

In the 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, mainly of German, Scottish-Irish, and English descent. The county became an important frontier region, playing a role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. Fort Loudoun, constructed in 1756, served as a strategic location during these conflicts.

During the 19th century, Franklin County continued to grow as a significant agricultural and industrial center. The region was known for its fertile farmland and agricultural productivity. The Cumberland Valley Railroad, completed in the mid-1800s, greatly improved transportation and boosted economic development.

The county also played a crucial role during the American Civil War. The Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most significant battles of the war, took place in nearby Adams County. Franklin County served as a vital supply center during the conflict, supplying troops and resources to both Union and Confederate forces.

Today, Franklin County is a diverse and thriving community. It boasts a mix of rural charm and modern amenities, with agriculture and manufacturing being important sectors of the economy. The region also offers numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, parks, and historical sites, making it a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Franklin County, Pennsylvania.

  • January 2, 1784: Franklin County was established in Pennsylvania.
  • 1784 - 1860: Franklin County saw significant growth and development as settlers migrated to the area.
  • 1861 - 1865: Franklin County contributed soldiers to the Union Army during the American Civil War.
  • 1868: The Franklin County Historical Society was founded to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 1872: The Franklin County Courthouse was completed in Chambersburg.
  • 1936: The historic Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway, was rerouted through Franklin County.
  • 1955: The Chambersburg Heritage Center was opened to showcase the county's history.
  • 1968: The Conococheague Institute was established to preserve the cultural heritage of the region.
  • 1992: The Franklin County Visitors Center was opened to promote tourism in the area.
  • 2002: The Franklin County Old Jail Museum was opened to the public.
  • 2008: The Franklin County 9/11 Memorial was dedicated to honor the victims of the September 11 attacks.