Inventor of baseball . . . not!

July 9, 2023 -- They said that Abner Doubleday  invented baseball. They said it for a long time. Some people still believe he did. He did not. However, Abner Doubleday was a career military officer and a Union major general in the Civil War. In fact, he fired the first shot of defense at Fort Sumter.

Abner Doubleday also fought in Williamsport. In fact, there is a monument to him. It's called Doubleday Hill Monument or just Doubleday Hill. It is a hill with a cemetery and canons. The hill overlooks the Potomac River into West Virginia. It commemorates the crossing of the Potomac River and occupation of the hill by Doubleday. It was Doubleday's job was to protect the C&O Canal from the rebels.

Miscredited with inventing the game of baseball

Williamsport

Doubleday Hill

There is a more traditional monument to Doubleday at Gettysburg National Military Park. The nine foot tall bronze statue was dedicated September 25, 1917 by the State of New York. Doubleday played a pivotal role in the early fighting at Gettysburg.

Major General Abner Doubleday (1819-1893)

While the origins of baseball have been the subject of debate and controversy, it is clear that Abner Doubleday did not invent the game. Modern baseball was probably modeled after various games in England and Europe. Play ball!