Williamsport Marker

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Williamsport in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Williamsport
A Town on the Edge of History
— Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park —

Williamsport Marker Photo, Click for full size

By Don Morfe, October 20, 2012

1. Williamsport Marker

Inscription. William’s Port lay on the edge of the Maryland frontier in 1787 when founded by Revolutionary War hero General Otho Holland Williams. In 1790 this river town nearly became capital of the United States when President George Washington personally visited Williamsport before selecting the current site of Washington, DC, 100 miles east.

In 1832, Williamsport changed as the C&O Canal reached the town. This town became a major place of transfer for goods transported by canal boats. In 1863, Confederate troops advanced and retreated through Williamsport during the Gettysburg Campaign. Here the Civil War could have ended when the flooded Potomac River trapped General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.

Today, Williamsport is again on the edge of change. Connecting to its canal heritage with more canal structures than any other town along the canal, town leaders are revitalizing the town center to serve canal hikers and bikers. Welcome to Williamsport and experience this classic canal town!

Erected by Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park - National Park Service - Department of the Interior.

Location. 39° 36.048′ N, 77° 49.65′ W. Marker is in Williamsport, Maryland, in Washington County

By Don Morfe, October 20, 2012

2. Williamsport Marker

. Marker is on U.S. 11. Click for map. The marker is located on the grounds of the C&O Canal Towpath. Marker is in this post office area: Williamsport MD 21795, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Creating a National Park (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Williamsport (within shouting distance of this marker); C & O Canal Aqueduct (within shouting distance of this marker); Connecting People and Places (within shouting distance of this marker); Conococheague Creek Aqueduct (within shouting distance of this marker); Abner Doubleday (approx. 0.2 miles away); River View Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Williamsport (approx. 0.6 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Williamsport.

Credits. This page originally submitted on October 27, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Md 21234. This page has been viewed 74 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 27, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Md 21234. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.