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Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Feasibility Study And National Park Service National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Department of the Interior Northeast Region March 2004 Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Statement Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Northeast Region National Park Service Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Statement 200 Chestnut Street Philadelphia PA 19106 EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Feasibility Study & Final Environmental Impact Statement ABSTRACT Produced by the Northeast Region National Park Service U.S. Department of Interior March 2004 The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and desirability of designating the routes used by the British and Americans during the 1814 Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812 as a National Historic Trail (NHT) under the study provisions of the National Trails System Act (Public Law 90-543, 16 USC 1241, et seq.). This report is intended to provide information necessary for the evaluation of national significance and the potential designation of a NHT. The proposed NHT would commemorate the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812, which includes the British invasion of Maryland, Battle of Bladensburg, burning of the White House and the Capitol, and the Battle for Baltimore in the summer of 1814. Eight potential land and water trail segments trace the historic routes of the British and American forces and the battles that inspired the writing of the poem that became the National Anthem. The routes taken by President Madison and the First Lady when fleeing Washington, the route to move important national documents to safety, and the route taken by the American forces to defend Baltimore are also studied and analyzed. The history, background, integrity, and national significance of the proposed Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail have been researched and analyzed. The criteria for national trails, set forth in the National Trails Systems Act, have been applied, and five of the eight trail segments meet all three criteria. National Historic Landmark criteria for national significance have also been applied and have been met by the pro- posed trail. Alternatives, and the environmental consequences of those alternatives, for the management and use of the proposed trail have also been developed and are presented in this report. Alternative A, the no action alternative, continues the existing management policies and authorities. There would continue to be piecemeal interpretation of the events of 1814 and no single organization or entity would be designated to oversee interpretation or development of a trail. This alternative will not result in any greater education or interpretation. Cultural and natural resources would not be protected or interpreted beyond current efforts. Alternative B, the preferred alternative, takes advantage of the regional nature of the trail and the many organi- zations interested in and associated with the history of the Chesapeake Campaign. This alternative calls for a joint partnership between federal, state, and local governments, a dedicated trail organization, and site man- agers to administer and maintain a federally-designated commemorative trail along the historic routes of the Chesapeake Campaign. Because of its emphasis on partnerships, this alternative provides the greatest flexibil- ity for resource protection while creating a framework for interpretation and visitor experience. Alternative C recommends further study to determine eligibility for establishment of a Heritage Area and relies on the state governments for designation and management of a commemorative trail with only limited coordi- nation through the federal government when federal property is involved. Similar to Alternative B, this alterna- tive calls for federal management of all aspects of the trail with active federal management, and acquisition of properties when appropriate. This alternative has similar advantages to Alternative B but would require more federal funding, time, and staff for the administration and interpretation of the trail. Questions should be directed in writing to the Project Manager, Bill Sharp, NPS Philadelphia Support Office, 200 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106. For further information regarding this document, please contact Bill Sharp at the address listed above, or by phone at 215-597-1655. National Park Service i SUMMARY This is a summary of the Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, in which an evaluation of national significance and trail feasibility and three alter- natives for the management of the proposed trail are presented. The proposed NHT would commemorate the events leading up to the writing of the “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812. These events include the British invasion of Maryland, Battle of Bladensburg, burning of the White House and the Capitol, the burning of the Washington Navy Yard, and the Battle for Baltimore in the summer of 1814. The route of the invasion is known and documented, and the proposed trail would follow it as closely as practical. During the campaign, other events occurred that are significant to the United States' national heritage, particularly the writing of the poem commemorating a key battle. The poem celebrated the flag that became known as the Star- Spangled Banner and led to the flag’s establishment as an American icon. The words of the poem became the National Anthem in 1931. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION Providing protection, public access and interpretation of the historic route and its resources has been a growing focus of both public and private initiatives in recent years, as the bicentennial of the War of 1812 approaches. In Maryland, a grass-roots initiative was undertaken to raise public awareness of the impor- tant events that occurred in the Chesapeake region in the summer of 1814 during the War of 1812. Historians and regional groups, represented by the Maryland Statewide War of 1812 Initiative, recognized the untold stories and legacy of the events of the Chesapeake Campaign and the need for protection and interpretation of these historical resources. In 1999, Senator Paul Sarbanes recognized these efforts and introduced legisla- tion: the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Study Act of 1999 (Public Law 106-135). The study was authorized as an amendment to the National Trails System Act. Congress directed the Secretary of the Interior to study the route of the proposed Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. During the study period, the events of September 11, 2001 and the War on Terrorism have stimulated an increased interest in and appreciation of the nation’s flag and its meaning. Thus the story of the Star-Spangled Banner is especially poignant today. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and desirability of desig- nating the routes used by the British and Americans during the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812 as a National Historic Trail (NHT) under the study provisions of the National Trails System Act (Public Law 90-543, 16 USC 1241, et seq.). This report is intended to provide information necessary for the evaluation of national significance and the potential designation of a NHT. Encroaching development patterns, population growth, and an increased national interest in understanding the history of the nation have also created a need for a commemorative trail. This study provides the background to deci- sion-makers for designation and development of a management framework for the proposed Star-Spangled Banner NHT. ii Summary EVALUATION OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE, FEASIBILITY, AND SUITABILITY Based on Criterion One for National Historic Trails, sixof the eight studied trail segments are found to retain integrity sufficient to result in a recommendation for their designation as a national historic trail. The proposed trail had a his- toric use and is significant as a result of that use. The proposed trail would include both the water and terrestrial routes that were strategically chosen by the British military as a means of reaching the nation's capital and the City of Baltimore. The 1814 route segments survive and are widely known and docu- mented as the route of the Chesapeake Campaign. The impacts of this invasion were long lasting and the effects on American culture are still evident and meaningful. Based on Criterion Two, all segments of the proposed NHT are found to be nationally significant. The War of 1812 in general and the Chesapeake Campaign of 1814 had long-lasting and far-reaching effects on the United States. Several themes emerged that had broad and lasting impacts on American culture, including the test of democracy, the role of slaves and civil- ians, the formation of a national identity, and the importance of a military defense. During the campaign, other events occurred that are significant to the United States' national heritage, particularly the writing of the poem commem- orating a key battle, the Battle for Baltimore. The poem celebrated the flag that became known as “The Star-Spangled Banner” and led to the flag's establish- ment as an American icon. The words to the poem became the National Anthem in 1931. Based on Criterion Three, the proposed NHT has significant potential for pub- lic recreational use and historical interpretation, as well as aesthetic appeal and patriotic appreciation. This study concludes that five of the trail segments that meet Criterion One also present high potential for public use and enjoyment. These trail segments cross many natural and cultural landscapes that retain integrity, including the Chesapeake Bay, and the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers. There is an opportunity for interpretation both from the water and from the scenic, and substantially protected, shoreline. A number of museums, parks, and historic sites protect resources and provide public access and interpreta- tion of the War of 1812 and related historic themes. The NPS finds that five of the eight studied trail segments fully meet the crite- ria for National Historic Trails and recommends designation.
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