The Old Jail

One of the few Chambersburg buildings that survived when Confederate forces burned the town in 1864. Built in 1818, it held prisoners until 1971 — including one of John Brown's raiders and "Lewis the Robber," Pennsylvania's answer to Robin Hood.

Built in 1818, the Old Jail is one of the few buildings in Chambersburg that survived the town's burning by Confederate forces in 1864. The jail functioned until 1970 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places that same year. The sheriff and his family lived in one half of the building while prisoners occupied cells on three levels, with meals cooked in the basement kitchen. Notable inmates included Captain John Cook from John Brown's Harper's Ferry raid and "Lewis the Robber," a highwayman known as the "Robin Hood of Pennsylvania."

At least seven prisoners were executed on the gallows here, and many more died from inhumane treatment in the basement or killed themselves. Ghost hunters, tourists, and docents have reported a variety of experiences including shadows, mysterious noises, moans from empty cells, and being physically touched. The basement, where prisoners endured brutal conditions, is considered the most active location. Visitors on overnight ghost hunts with Ghost Hunts USA have captured evidence throughout the three-story structure.

Today the Old Jail serves as home to the Franklin County Historical Society and offers ghost hunting opportunities. Contact the society to arrange investigations in this building that has witnessed nearly two centuries of suffering and death.