The Doubleday Hill wayside marker is at the foot of Doubleday Hill on the corner of Commerce and Salisbury Streets in Williamsport, Maryland (map) A near copy of the marker with the same text but somewhat different graphics is on the top of the hill.

In April 1861, Williamsport residents awoke to find themselves living across the Potomac River from the enemy. Virginia had seceded from the Union, and troops from both sides skirmished for control of the vital river crossing and the C&O Canal. The town had to build fortifications to protect the Union resources.

The Fort Sumter hero, Major Abner Doubleday arrived in June 1861 and ordered the placement of three siege guns, and construction of an ammunition storage bunker and other fortifications on the hill overlooking the town and river. Even though Doubleday was transferred to Harpers Ferry a few weeks later, his name is still associated with the hill.

From the caption to the photo in the upper right:

Abner Doubleday (erroneously credited with the invention of baseball) in 1862 as a Brigadier General. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.

From the caption to the photo in the lower right:

The fortifications on Doubleday Hill were recreated in the late 19th Century, as seen in the photograph. Courtesy of the Williamsport town museum.

From the caption to the background drawing:

General Banks’ Union Army crossing the Potomac at Williamsport in June 1862. Note the cannon on Doubleday Hill in the background. Frank leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, July 5, 1862.

This sign researched and authored by historian Tom Clemens.

(return to the Doubleday Hill page)