Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Sounds of battle could be heard here from Bladensburg, six miles away, on August 24, 1814. Victorious British troops then moved into Washington, D.C. The sky was already aglow above the city; Americans has torched the Washington Navy Yard to keep it from enemy hands. As the British burned the U.S. Capitol and other public buildings that night, the glow could be seen for miles - striking fear and indignation throughout the region.

Expecting Baltimore to be the next target, bedraggled American troops made their way north. Instead of pursuing, the British returned to their ships at Benedict. By the time they attacked Baltimore three weeks later, the Americans were ready.

Places to explore the War of 1812 in the Baltimore-Washington area:

Riversdale House Museum - Home of witness to Battle of Bladensburg; house museum; annual 1812 reenactment event.

Oxon Cove Park - 1812-era home; part of National Park Service living-history farm.

Bladensburg Waterfront Park - Start at visitor center for tour of battlefield sites.

Baltimore - Visitor center in Inner Harbor; information on Fort McHenry and other War of 1812 sites.

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Capitol, White House, National Museum of American History, National Museum of the U.S. Navy.

[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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