Williamsport in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Abner Doubleday
Major General - United States Army
| | Occupied this site 1861 | |
Photographed by F. Robby, December 20, 2011
1. Abner Doubleday Marker
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 with 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. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 39° 35.94′ N, 77° 49.513′ W. Marker was in Williamsport, Maryland, in Washington County. It was at the intersection of Salisbury Street and Commerce Street, on the left when traveling west on Salisbury Street. The marker is at the base of the hill, next to the cemetery. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 4 S Commerce St, Williamsport MD 21795, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in the Baltimore Metro Region and in Western Maryland. It was also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: 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);
this page online
More about this marker. The 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.
Photographed by F. Robby, December 20, 2011
4. Doubleday Hill
Photographed by F. Robby, December 20, 2011
5. Potomac Overlook
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, June 7, 2025
6. Abner Doubleday Marker Missing
The signposts still stand but the sign itself is gone - perhaps because Doubleday's "invention of baseball" has been determined to be a myth.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, June 7, 2025
7. Cannon on Reproduction Carriages
After this page was first published, the trio of ordnance rifles atop Battery Hill were restored and placed on reproduction carriages. The nearest gun dates to 1865, the other two are from 1862. All three were originally displayed in Sharpsburg's town square and were moved to Williamsport in 1899. Note the "flag mound" is actually a deteriorated earthen magazine originally constructed over a wooden structure for storing munitions.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2012, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,587 times since then and 44 times this year. Last updated on September 27, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. 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. 6, 7. submitted on September 27, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
