A Walk Through Time: Unveiling the Rich History of Waynesboro and Franklin County

Welcome back to the Kandor Real Estate blog! In our last post, we explored finding your perfect home in Waynesboro. But a house doesn't exist in a vacuum – it's part of a living, breathing community steeped in history. Today, we'll take a stroll through time, uncovering the fascinating story of Waynesboro and Franklin County.

Native American Beginnings:

Long before European settlers arrived, the land we now call Franklin County was home to various indigenous tribes for thousands of years. Evidence suggests the presence of the Susquehannocks, the Lenapes, and the Shawnees, who lived in harmony with the natural environment [1].

From Frontier Outpost to Thriving Borough:

The mid-18th century saw European settlers arrive, with John Wallace establishing himself near Antietam Creek in 1749 [2]. By 1797, his son, John Wallace Jr., laid out the town of Waynesburg (later Waynesboro) named after General Anthony Wayne. The town officially incorporated in 1831 [2].

Franklin County: A Stage for American History:

Franklin County played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. The area served as a crucial supply route and witnessed troop movements. General James McDowell, a Franklin County resident, led a vital contingent at the Battle of Gettysburg [2].

The Rise of Industry:

The 19th century saw Waynesboro blossom into an industrial center. Companies like Frick Company (known for agricultural machinery) and Landis Tool Company put Waynesboro on the map [3]. This industrial boom brought prosperity and a unique architectural style to the town.

Beyond Industry: A Tapestry of Culture:

Franklin County boasts a rich cultural heritage. From the Renfrew Museum showcasing Scottish heritage to the Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library, there's something for every history buff [4]. The community also celebrates its agricultural roots with events like the Franklin County Fair [4].

Your Connection to the Past:

As a Waynesboro resident, you become part of this ongoing story. Historic buildings lining Main Street are a constant reminder of the town's evolution. By exploring local historical societies and museums, like the Waynesboro Historical Society and the Franklin County Historical Society-Kittochtinny, you can delve deeper into the fascinating tapestry of Franklin County's past [2, 4].

Citations:

• [1] Borough of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. (n.d.). History – Borough of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. waynesboropa.gov/history/
• [2] Franklin County PA. (n.d.). Still Making History! franklincountypa.gov/history/
• [3] Wikipedia. (2023, October 26). Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. [Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org]
• [4] Explore Franklin County PA. (n.d.). A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Waynesboro, A Town Rich in History.