Population 2,103
Founded by
General Otho Holland Williams, a friend of George Washington, Williamsport
merited consideration as a potential site for the fledgling nation's new
capital. According to legend, Washington visited Williamsport in 1790 to study
the feasibility of making Williamsport the new capital. The town's location off
the beaten track of the Potomac River's then-unnavigable rapids apparently
helped persuade him to locate elsewhere.
The area has
been settled since the late 17th century, and Williamsport had several names
early in its history. It was officially named Williamsport in 1787.
Williamsport is
located at the confluence of the Conococheague Creek and Potomac
River.
With the opening
of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in the area in 1834, Williamsport evolved into
a thriving waterfront town, reaping the economic benefits of the Canal until a
flood closed the Canal for good in 1924.
During the Civil
War, the swollen waters of the Potomac River at Williamsport prevented General
Robert E. Lee's army, on its retreat from Gettysburg, from crossing into the
safe haven of Virginia for several days.
C&O Canal Towpath Visitors
Center
This rewatered
turnaround basin can be found at the end of West Potomac Street.
Town Museum at Springfield Farm
Open the first
and third Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Contact Gerald Knode, 301-223-5859 or
301-223-7229.
The Annual Christmas
Parade
Lights in
Byron Memorial Park are lit at the end of the parade, and refreshments are
served in the Community Building.
