Imagine the horror of a night-time raid!
Residents of Prince Frederick must have known they were British targets, as recent raids had already devastated nearby Lower Marlboro, St. Leonard, and Huntingtown. Alarm spread with news of British soldiers marching from their ships on the Patuxent toward the town. People fled their homes in fear.
Arriving at night on July 19, 1814, the enemy raiders torched the jail, a tobacco warehouse, the county courthouse - with hits naval stores and munitions - and a nearby plantation. Their flames fueled the terror spreading throughout Southern Maryland.
[text with image on right] "I landed and marched nine miles to a place called the Court House in the County of Calvert...Burnt the Court House and Jail releasing one Black man confined for endeavoring to escape to us." - British Captain Josheph N[ ], July 23, 1814.
Nearby places to explore the War of 1812 in Southern Maryland:
Sotterley Plantation - Restored 18th-century plantation and slave quarters, a mustering site for militia.
Benedict - British landing site for the assault on Washington.
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum - Exhibits; site of largest naval engagement in Maryland history.
Calvert Marine Museum - Interactive map depicting British invasion route; artifacts from scuttled American flotilla.
Lower Marlboro - Site of a British raid; 1812 interpretation at Patuxent River pier.[Side 2]
O! say can you see..."
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail traces the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake. Along the trail you'll encounter tangible evidence of the war and stories that bring the people and events to life. Discover the far-reaching impacts of the war on this county and the world.
[Side 3]
War in the Chesapeake
During the War of 1812 the young United States was embroiled in conflict with Great Britain. From 1812 to 1815 Americans fought to protect their rights and economic independence. They faced superior enemy forces on the homefront and the high seas.
The stategically important Chesapeake Bay region felt the brunt of the war, choked by shipping blockades and ravaged by enemy raids. The events in this region were crucial to the outcome of the war.
Though there was no clear victor at the end of the war, the United States protected its democracy and emerged with heightened stature on the world stage.
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