Book excerpt: Nestled at the foot of the Appalachian mountains and divided by the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, Williamsport's striking landscape provided inspiration as well as protection even before the town's inception in 1796. What was once the beacon of a thriving lumber industry and in time became the cradle of our nation's pastime with baseball's Little League World Series, has evolved into a city with a dynamic story rich in culture and tradition.