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

Abner Doubleday

Major General - United States Army

— Occupied this site 1861 —

Abner Doubleday Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By F. Robby, December 20, 2011

1. Abner Doubleday Marker

Inscription. While a Captain in the Union Army, during the Civil War, he crossed the Potomac River, at Williamsport, in 1861 and built a breastwork, mounting three siege guns, on this hill, now known as Doubleday Hill.

He is credited witih inventing the game of baseball in 1835.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Sports • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.

Location. 39° 35.94′ N, 77° 49.513′ W. Marker is in Williamsport, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is at the intersection of Salisbury Street and Commerce Street, on the left when traveling west on Salisbury Street. Marker is at the base of the hill, next to the cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Williamsport MD 21795, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Doubleday Hill (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Doubleday Hill (a few steps from this marker); Light's Ford and Lemen's Ferry (a few steps from this marker); The C&O Canal in the Civil War at Williamsport (within shouting distance of this marker); River View Cemetery (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Boats Passing By (about 400 feet away); Welcome to Williamsport

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(about 600 feet away); The C&O Canal in Williamsport (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsport.

More about this marker. Marker was at the top of Doubleday Hill, as shown in the photos from 2011. Sometime by 2016 it was moved closer to the intersection at the bottom of the hill.

Additional commentary.
1. Doubleday and Baseball
This marker text to the contrary, Abner Doubleday did not invent baseball. He may never have even thought about baseball - at the least he doesn't seem to have ever mentioned it. David Block's 2005 book "Baseball Before We Knew It" deals with the Doubleday myth and the origins of baseball.

— Submitted January 22, 2012, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland.

Photographed By F. Robby, December 20, 2011

2. Abner Doubleday Marker

This photo was taken when the marker was located at the top of the hill.

Photographed By F. Robby, June 27, 2016

3. Abner Doubleday Marker

This photo shows the marker at its new location at the base of Doubleday Hill. It was previously at the top of the hill.

Doubleday Hill image. Click for full size.

Photographed By F. Robby, December 20, 2011

4. Doubleday Hill

Potomac Overlook image. Click for full size.

Photographed By F. Robby, December 20, 2011

5. Potomac Overlook

Credits. This page was last revised on July 1, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2012, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,209 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 22, 2012, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 3. submitted on June 30, 2016, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 4, 5. submitted on January 22, 2012, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland.