Maryland Municipal League - Williamsport Traditional Cache

Williamsport, Maryland is located in the heart of the Cumberland Valley where the Conococheague Creek flows into the Potomac River. Here over 275 years ago smoke was rising from a few scattered cabins of a western frontier trading post called “Conococheague” – the native Indian name Conococheague meaning “a long way”; and the name Potomac meaning “trading place” in the Algonquin tongue. Before any settlement, the area was inhabited by Delaware and Catawba Indians.

The first grant of land known as “Sweet’s Delight” occurred in 1738. The King of England granted Jeremiah Jack 175 acres known as “Jack’s Bottom” in 1739. Thomas Cresap, a renowned Indian fighter, and for whom Cresaptown in Western Maryland was named, also settled in Williamsport and located on Springfield Farm, where he supposedly built the stone building over the spring from which the farm derives its name. In 1750 Colonel Cresap sold the property to Joseph and Prudence Williams, parents of Otho Holland Williams.

Otho served with the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War at one point being captured by the British and jailed with Ethan Allen. After an exchange was arranged for his release, he fought with Maryland troops and gained great honor for his skillful leadership. In 1787 General Williams laid out a formal township, much as it is today, and “Conococheague” became Willams Port, the second oldest town in Washington County. At one time the town was considered as a possible site for the nation’s Capitol, explaining the very wide streets incorporated into Williams’ plan. George Washington was very familiar with the Town often staying at Springfield Farm.

Since that time, the Town of Williamsport has had a rich, colorful history of commerce, manufacturing, transportation, and shipping. Because of the Potomac River and C & O Canal, Williamsport was the cross-road and gateway to the South, West, and East. Settlers, travelers, and pioneer families passed through by the thousands on their way south and east. Williamsport was known as a jolly, honest, and sometimes raucous town.

In addition to the vital role Williamsport played in the operation of the C & O Canal through the 19th century, the town was historically important during the Civil War because it was one of two (Harper’s Ferry being the other) gateways to the Shenandoah Valley. General Abner Doubleday (the purported founder of baseball) commanded Union forces here where he mounted cannons on the hill at Riverview Cemetery now called Doubleday Hill. The 1st Maryland Cavalry consisting mostly of Williamsport men saw action at Gettysburg and Antietam. General Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Army made their retreat from Gettysburg through Williamsport.

Williamsport is still the “gateway” to the south, west, east, and north because it lies just south of the intersection of Interstates 81 and 70 near the West Virginia and Pennsylvania state lines. Williamsport welcomes visitors to enjoy its pleasant shops, restaurants, parks, concerts, parades, museums, library, cultural activities, and recreational facilities. The town’s unique location makes it a great place to stay while exploring the rich history, sites, and attractions of Washington County and the surrounding area.