Franklin County honors historic cemetery’s 150-year legacy
Janis Reeser
Chambersburg Public Opinion
July 23, 2026, 5:02 a.m. ET
Franklin County designated July 18 as Zion Union Cemetery Day to mark the 150th anniversary of the historic Mercersburg cemetery that honors generations of African American residents and military veterans.
The proclamation was approved by the Franklin County Commissioners, according to a community announcement. Zion Union Cemetery has served as a place of remembrance and heritage for the local African American community since 1876.
The cemetery is the final resting place of veterans who served during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and other periods of military service.
Among those buried there are at least 38 men who served in the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. The cemetery also contains the graves of 13 veterans of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, one of the first African American regiments to serve in the war.
According to the announcement, Zion Union Cemetery is the largest known private burial site for veterans of the 54th Massachusetts regiment. The unit is widely known for its assault on Battery Wagner near Charleston, South Carolina, on July 18, 1863.
Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst said in the announcement that the cemetery reflects the contributions of local residents whose service helped shape both the community and the nation.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday this year, it’s only fitting that we recognize all of those who have contributed to our nation’s history and its preservation,” Horst said in the announcement. “The Zion Union Cemetery is a revered spot that not only tells the story of Mercersburg, but that of our county and our country as a whole. The individuals interred there serve as a testament to the generations of residents whose lives, leadership and military service have had an enduring impact on our nation.”
The proclamation encourages residents to honor the veterans buried at the cemetery and reflect on the contributions of Mercersburg’s African American community to Franklin County, Pennsylvania and the United States.
Anniversary event held at cemetery
The Zion Union Cemetery Association held a 150th Anniversary Commemoration July 18 at the cemetery.
Organizers said in the announcement that the event coincided with the 163rd anniversary of the assault on Battery Wagner. Activities included music, an honor guard, a wreath presentation and remarks from several speakers, including Franklin County Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski. A reception followed at Bethel AME Church in Mercersburg.
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