[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 18, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF CHAMBERSBURG INTO A BOROUGH

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                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 18, 2003

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200th 
Anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Chambersburg into a 
Borough. Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, the county seat of Franklin 
County, is a town rich in history. Chambersburg was settled by Benjamin 
Chambers in 1730. He chose the area because of the promising 
demographic features of the land, where the Conocoheaque Creek and the 
Falling Spring merged to provide him with the necessary water power to 
operate a gristmill and a sawmill.
  The community of Chambersburg was formally spread out in 1764, 
extending the land south and east of a fort that was built to provide 
protection against Indian raids. The epicenter of the town, which 
served as the crossroads for many travelers, began to grow in size and 
importance. Due to the number of people that traversed through the 
area, many businesses began to settle and expand in the valley. These 
businesses were the start of the promising entrepreneurial, 
agricultural, and residential area that Chambersburg is today.
  In March 1803, the municipal government was established through a 
state granted charter as a borough. In May of the same year, the town 
elected the first mayor, the Town Council, a High Constable, and a 
flour and wood inspector were appointed. A tax duplicate of $550.97 was 
issued in order to begin providing government services, which at that 
time were mainly limited to those provided by the courts.
  The Borough of Chambersburg is now home to over 17,000 people, many 
small and medium industrial enterprises, and continues to have strong 
ties to agricultural endeavors. I am very proud to represent the 
individuals that make up this vibrant community and would like to again 
commend the Borough of Chambersburg for its 200th Anniversary.

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