German Street in Chambersburg, PA: Renamed Lincoln Way East in WWI Era

The street formerly known as German Street in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was renamed Lincoln Way East in the early 20th century (circa 1917–1918).

Why the Change?

• Anti-German hysteria during World War I prompted many U.S. communities to erase German place names (Berlin, IA → Lincoln; Bismarck, ND considered; sauerkraut → "liberty cabbage").
• Chambersburg had a significant German-American population; the rename was part of a broader push to demonstrate patriotism and assimilate immigrants.
• "Lincoln Way" honored Abraham Lincoln (the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental auto route, passed through Chambersburg on this road).

Historical Context

German Street dated to the 18th/19th century when German settlers founded the area. The change reflects a nationwide pattern: thousands of German names were Anglicized during 1917–1920. Some were later restored; Lincoln Way East remains.