NBC25's Town Prowd Tour makes a stop in Emmitsburg, Maryland Focus: the tight-knit relationship the Mount has with the historic town.  EMMITSBURG, MD - NBC25 traveled to Emmitsburg, Maryland for the second stop on its town proud tour.
Emmitsburg survived a great fire that burned much of the downtown area, and it played a crucial role in the Civil War.
It's a one-street town that dates back to 1785, but even that is controversial.
“In 1957 the town had a 200th bicentennial celebration, but in 1885 they had a centennial celebration, and if you do the quick math you'll see there is a disparity between the two dates,” says Emmitsburg historian Michael Hillman.
Part of the confusion was caused when the town lost most of its historical records after a fire in 1863 burned down almost half the town. It happened just as the south was invading Pennsylvania, leaving some to suspect foul play.
Hillman says, “There was rumors that it was done by a confederate sympathizer, but it just turned out it was the old Chicago O'Leary, someone dropped a lantern in the stable.
Fire plays a role in Emmitsburg's history even today. Firefighters from around the world train at the National Fire Academy.
The Ott House on Main Street has long been a hangout for firefighters from the National Fire Academy. On the wall behind the bar they have badges from past students from all around the world.
The town was founded by Presbyterians. But when St. Elizabeth Anne Seton moved to Emmitsburg in 1808 and established her Saint Joseph’s College for Catholic Girls, there was a movement of Catholics into the area.
“It wasn't until the canonization of Elizabeth Ann Seton when she became a saint, so now it's recognized as a Catholic town,” Hillman says.
The town played a part in the Civil War as home to part of the union defense.
If the Confederate army hadn't stumbled on the Union forces at Gettysburg, today, we might be celebrating the battle of Emmitsburg instead. 
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