Second Line Falls

Second Line Falls (HM1BB4)

Location: Colmar Manor, MD 20722 Prince George's County
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Country: United States of America
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N 38° 56.132', W 76° 56.941'

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Inscription

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

The Second of three defensive lines blocking the British advance on Washington stretched along here. It was located on the first set of hills overlooking the river. The American militia was unprepared to face seasoned war veterans. Holding firm against the initial assault at the bridge, the militia gave way as the British rushed again, pushing through the first two lines. Only the third remained.

"The American Troops were drawn up in three lines, like so many regiments upon a gala parade, while guns were used as connecting links to a chain..." — British Lieutenant George Robert Gleig, eyewitness

Bladensburg Races

Many Americans blamed lack of leadership on the field for the perceived rout at Bladensburg. During a congressional inquiry, Brigadier General William Winder was said to be "unfit for any important command." In 1816 an anonymous poem, "Bladensburg Races" pointed to ineffective leadership as well from President Madison and Secretary James Monroe.
Details
HM NumberHM1BB4
Series This marker is part of the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail series
Tags
Placed ByNational Park Service
Marker ConditionNo reports yet
Date Added Monday, October 6th, 2014 at 6:43am PDT -07:00
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Locationbig map
UTM (WGS84 Datum)18S E 331071 N 4311428
Decimal Degrees38.93553333, -76.94901667
Degrees and Decimal MinutesN 38° 56.132', W 76° 56.941'
Degrees, Minutes and Seconds38° 56' 7.92" N, 76° 56' 56.46" W
Driving DirectionsGoogle Maps
Area Code(s)301, 240
Closest Postal AddressAt or near 311-399 County Rd 249, Colmar Manor MD 20722, US
Alternative Maps Google Maps, MapQuest, Bing Maps, Yahoo Maps, MSR Maps, OpenCycleMap, MyTopo Maps, OpenStreetMap

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