Patrick Gass Garden

The house where Patrick Gass lived early in his life is on the property housing the Penn State Extension Office at 181 Franklin Farm Lane in Chambersburg. In the early 2000's the idea of creating a garden near this historic house and honoring his participation in the Lewis and Clark Expedition, was presented to the Master Gardener program. In 2009 the program committed to a multiyear effort to research, plan, budget, and design the area.  

In 2011, Franklin County Master Gardeners received a grant in the amount of $2,500 from the Alexander Stewart, M.D. Foundation, paving the way to begin the project. 

Over the years the Penn State Extension Franklin County Master Gardeners created a historical experience to educate the public on the people, the place and the plants collected by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Plants include those favored during the early 1800’s that are suitable for our area and climate.  

There is a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission sign at the walkway entrance and a large sign provides a detailed biography of Sergeant Gass and the Lewis and Clark expedition. 

During the preparation of the garden site arrowheads, a small knife, and twenty coins were discovered. The coins, most dating from 1672 to the 1750’s, would have been in circulation when Gass was born in 1771.  

This garden hosts presentations about Patrick Gass, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and  the buildings and plants on the property. Educational groups have visited the garden. 

Location: Next to the Extension Office at 181 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.