Did you know that after the Battle of Gettysburg that General Robert E. Lee marched to Williamsport taking over the whole town as “one large hospital”? Nearly every building of note was occupied in one fashion or another. If you own a pre-Civil War building in town look for clues, you may be surprised. Many times soldiers scribbled words in attics, and basements, maybe you’ve found something buried in the flower garden?
After his defeat in Pennsylvania Lee led his battered army down Greencastle Pike (the road has been altered) and into town via Artizan Street. Turning right onto Salisbury Street. Lee marched down the broad avenue and across the wooden bridge spanning the canal. (replaced in 1879 by the current Bollman metal bridge) His goal was to cross the Potomac at Lemen’s Ferry which had been destroyed due to heavy flooding.
At the corner of West Salisbury and Vermont Street sat an early stone tavern (still there in very poor condition) with an earlier log workman’s cottage abutting the back wall. Known locally as “The Blue Hen“, this collection of buildings was a bawdy place, filled with music, local color, and travelers looking for a hard drink and other forms of revelry.
According to deed records, it seems the buildings were built by William Malone about 1811. The stone portion was built on the corner with entrances on both Salisbury and Vermont to allow patrons access. The modest log house at the back was likely his residence. This house would have witnessed the Confederate Army, tens of thousands strong march right by the front door during the retreat from Gettysburg. Being a home and tavern it’s almost certain the buildings were used while the army bivouacked. One must assume the tavern was patronized by many a weary soldier during the long ten-day stay in Williamsport.
Sadly the log portion of this home was lost to the wrecking ball sometime within the last 20 years or so. The stone tavern, unfortunately, remains endangered, unoccupied, and neglected. We must protect Williamsport’s heritage. Yet another historic, irreplaceable piece of Williamsport’s more colorful history was erased forever. I’ve called this piece “The Retreat” in honor of our Civil War history.
