Mercersburg

History

The land currently known as Mercersburg was previously territory of the Massawomeck people who were part of the Iroquois Nation. Mercersburg was platted in 1780. The borough was named after Hugh Mercer, a general and hero in the American Revolutionary War. A post office has been in operation at Mercersburg since 1812. Located near the southern border of Pennsylvania, the rural community became a place of refuge during the antebellum years for escaped African Americans who had been enslaved in the South. Some came to the area via the Underground Railroad. After the American Revolution, Pennsylvania had abolished slavery. In this area were communities of free African Americans who had worked in agriculture. It was relatively easy for refugees to join their communities after passing over the border of Maryland. In later years, black folks moved away from here as they were at risk from slavecatchers, especially after passage of the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850, which had more stringent rules against free states. Many African Americans moved to Philadelphia, which had a large and free black community, which helped new arrivals get settled. Philadelphia also provided more job opportunities. In 2010, 6.49% of the population was of African American descent, out of a total of 1,561 persons. The Mercersburg Historic District, Lane House, and Mercersburg Academy are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography

Mercersburg is located in southwestern Franklin County and has a total area of , all land. Mercersburg is located at the eastern foot of Cove Mountain on the west side of the Great Appalachian Valley. The borough is north of the Mason–Dixon line, which serves as the state border with Maryland. Whitetail Ski Resort and golf course are located south of the town. Pennsylvania state highways 16, 75, and 416 all pass through Mercersburg. PA 16 leads east to Greencastle and to Interstate 81, and northwest through Cove Gap and over Tuscarora Mountain 10 miles to McConnellsburg. PA 75 leads north to Fort Loudon and south to the Maryland border. PA 416 leads northeast to U.S. Route 30 near St. Thomas and southeast to the Maryland border. Hagerstown, Maryland, is to the southeast via PA 416 and Maryland Route 58, while Chambersburg, the Franklin County seat, is to the northeast via PA 416 and US 30.

Race & ethnicity

Most-observed species

• European Starling

  Sturnus vulgaris Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  10,775
• Mourning Dove

  Zenaida macroura (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  10,351
• Northern Cardinal

  Cardinalis cardinalis (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  9,470
• American Robin

  Turdus migratorius Linnaeus, 1766 · Aves
  9,447
• House Sparrow

  Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  7,860
• Blue Jay

  Cyanocitta cristata (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  7,227
• Song Sparrow

  Melospiza melodia (A.Wilson, 1810) · Aves
  6,986
• Carolina Wren

  Thryothorus ludovicianus (Latham, 1790) · Aves
  6,166

Most recent

• M 2.81 — 2019-09-15
  5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania
• M 3.44 — 2019-06-13
  9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania
• M 3.03 — 2016-01-17
  3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia
• M 3.6 — 2010-07-16
  5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland
• M 3.05 — 2010-06-03
  4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania
• M 2.76 — 2009-10-25
  4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania