Three Stables Damaged In Incendiary Fire

On January 18, 1859 at 10:30 p.m. the cry of fire rang out over Shippensburg, firemen quickly raced towards West King Street with their hand drawn apparatus in tow. Upon their arrival three stables were found to be ablaze. Streams were quickly brought into play on the fire but the fire had so much headway all they could do was to protect the exposures. The fire was determined to be arson and destroyed the three stables along with their contents and two cows. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Fire and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm. This was the first recorded fire alarm for the newly formed Cumberland Valley Fire Company.