Union Grounds

The Union Grounds in Williamsburg hold the distinction of being the first enclosed baseball park ever built. Before its opening in eighteen sixty-two, baseball was typically played on open fields without admission fees or fences to restrict the view. The owner, William Cammeyer, transformed his existing ice skating facility into a professional stadium by surrounding the field with an eight-foot fence. This innovation allowed him to charge spectators ten cents for entry, a move designed to filter out rowdy gamblers and ensure a more orderly experience for fans.