Williamsport, Md. Marks Independence Day With Civil War Twist

WILLIAMSPORT, Md. (AP) -- The western Maryland town of Williamsport is marking Independence Day with a Civil War twist.

Town officials are holding a dedication ceremony Thursday for three Civil War cannons that were restored with state help.

The artillery pieces are in River View Cemetery overlooking the Potomac River.

For several months in 1861, the site served as a Union defensive position commanded by Maj. Abner Doubleday.

In 1897, the town acquired three cannons to create a Civil War memorial at the site. They were eventually replaced with plastic replicas due to vandalism.

Last year, the town received a state grant to help restore the vintage cannons, spruce up the site and create a Civil War walking tour.

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