Town of the Week

Waynesboro, Pennsylvania
March 18, 2000

Head over to Waynesboro, Pennsylvania; just listen in.

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More than 250 years ago, a Scottish settler named John Wallace bought 600 acres in the Cumberland Valley. Lying two miles north of the Mason-Dixon line in Pennsylvania, he laid out the town of Waynesberg. It was named for his hero, general Anthony Wayne.

82 Years later, the name was changed Waynesboro, because of duplicate names with another town. Early settlers, mostly farmers, were attracted by the fertile rolling hills and protective mountains. Some protection. In June of 1863, the town was captured by Confederate troops and their flag flew over the town for 15 days. Legend has it that general Robert E. Lee watered his horse in the town's square on his retreat from Gettysburg.

Today, this town of nearly 10 thousand people enjoys a beautiful environment with the Appalachian Trail passing within 6 miles of town. Renfew Museum and Park are popular locations for community activities and recreation. Waynesboro fest is held each June, and this year a new community event starts this September, known as Waynesboro fest, with tours, talent, parade and fireworks.

There's an outstanding collection of Civil War documents in the Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library, and an equally impressive display of early life in the Waynesboro Historical society's Oller House, a century old Victorian home in immaculate condition. In a diversified farming economy of dairy and orchards, there’s also manufacturing of refrigeration equipment to greeting cards. Residents still regard this as the best small-town in America, and it's our Town of the Week, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.