42503 AT_WalkingTour7/8/13.qxp 10/11/13 11:53 AM Page 1 MARARRYYLANDYLAND MARYLAND MILESTONES MILESTONESONES WAR OF 1812 & THE BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG
On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain. The War of 1812–also known as the “second war for American independence”–threatened every border of our young Nation. In August of 1814, the War was brought to the Chesapeake Bay and at Noon on August 24, the War came here to Prince George’s County. Bladensburg, a colonial tobacco trading port, was where British military leaders crossed on their way to burn the Capitol. While the bridge no longer exists, the modern ped1estrian bridge at Waterfront Park approximates the size, while the location is just to the south of the modern President James Madison Commodore Joshua Barney highway bridge. State James Monroe, General Walter Smith and his aide Francis Scott Key, all on the field at the opening British troops, having marched across the County of the battle, second-guessed other leaders and from Nottingham and through Upper Marlbrough, retreated as well – eventually leading to the term entered Bladensburg near Benjamin Stoddert’s “Bladensburg Races.” Cannons which were Bostwick along the “river road.” Bostwick, at the intended to provide su3pport to the troops arrived late time, was home to the British Prisoner Exchange as they were moved into place along Bladensburg Commissioner and was used as a temporary camp for Road near 40th Avenue. The first one became stuck the officers. The British troops took position, setting in the road, while the other lost a wheel and both up Congreve rockets behind homes and shops were abandoned in the face of the advancing British.
As the defense collapsed, Commodore Joshua B4arney and his sailors arrived from Washington’s Navy Yard. His flotillamen, assisted by Captain Miller’s Marines, provided the most concerted push against the British, who were crossing Dueling Creek. Barney’s men and cannons took up a strong position on a hill, now Fort Lincoln Cemetery and along Eastern Avenue, aided by Jacob Kramer’s Prince George’s County militia. Together, they held the enemy back for nearly an hour and caused significant British injury.
War of 1812 encampment at Riversdale. Yet, by four o’clock, Barney was wounded, in town. Several buildings still exist, including o5rdered his men to retreat, and surrendered. The Magruder House, the George Washington House battle was over and Washington faced British torches. (then known to be part of the Indian Queen Tavern Later, British troops, returning to their ships in the complex) and the Market Master House. Chesapeake Bay would take Upper Marlboro resident Dr. William Beanes prisoner. Francis Scott Key and The first line of American defenders, unaware of the the American Prisioner Exchange Commissioner scope of the British force, opened fire from the east John Skinner would seek his release. Kept on board side of the river near Cottage City Community Park. a ship in the harbor until the Battle of Baltimore, Returning fire, the British launched their rockets. Key was inspired by the fight and would pen the A2merican troops and militia panicked and fell back lyrics to our modern national anthem, the Star in retreat. President James Madison, Secretary of Spangled Banner.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.marylandmilestones.org 42503 AT_WalkingTour7/8/13.qxp 10/11/13 11:53 AM Page 2 MARMARMARYLANDARRYYYLANDYLANDYLANDLAND MARYLAND MILESTONES
MILESTONESILESTONES WAR OF 1812 & THE BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG
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FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.marylandmilestones.org