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

MISSING

SEE LOCATION SECTION

Williamsport

A Town on the Edge of History

— Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park —

Williamsport Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed 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.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included

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in the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1787.

Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 39° 36.057′ N, 77° 49.641′ W. Marker was in Williamsport, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker was on U.S. 11. The marker is located on the grounds of the C&O Canal Towpath. Touch for map. Marker was 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 location. A different marker also named Williamsport (within shouting distance of this marker); C & O Canal Aqueduct (within shouting distance of this marker); Gettysburg Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); Cushwa Basin/Williamsport (within shouting distance of this marker); Life on the Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); C&O Canal (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Life on the Canal (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named C&O Canal (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsport.

Photographed By Don Morfe, October 20, 2012

2. Williamsport Marker

Photographed By F. Robby, June 29, 2016

3. Williamsport Marker

View of the Conococheague Aqueduct from the marker, which is the closest of the markers seen in this photo. The other marker further in the distance is a child-oriented welcome sign.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 859 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 27, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3. submitted on July 15, 2016, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.