Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

—Battle of Bladensburg —

The War of 1812 raged on land and sea, touching every border of the young nation. On August 24, 1814, after two years at war, the Americans faced the British here at Bladensburg.

While the American militia were unable to hold back the British attack at the Anacostia River, Marines and sailors —including U. S. Chesapeake Flotillamen—set up a defense blocking the road outside present-day Fort Lincoln Cemetery. After hours of intense fighting, American forces were overrun and British troops marched to invade the Nation's Capital.


(Inscription under the image in the lower right)In the summer of 1814, the landscape of the battlefield was very different than it is today. Once outside the village of Bladensburg, in modern Cottage City and Colmar Manor, buildings gave way to open countryside—gently rolling terrain with farm fields, orchards, and forest.

(Inscription above the map on the left side) This map shows the progression of the Battle from the Town of Bladensburg toward the Capitol via the Turnpike (modern U.S. Alt 1) and Bunker Hill Road.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Colmar Manor, MD  |  Prince George's County  |  20722  |  Maryland  |  United States of America

A Valiant Stand, a War Memorial
Marines & Flotillamen, a War Memorial
Dueling Grounds
Dueling Grounds
Bladensburg Dueling Grounds
The Road to the Capital
Historic Fort Lincoln Cemetery
Second Line Falls
Famous Footsteps
The Road to the Capital

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.