Enemy Occupation Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail - Chester, MD
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 38° 58.488 W 076° 14.918
18S E 391838 N 4314721
Kent Island served as an ideal base of operations for the British in August 1813, as it was already an important link between Maryland’s eastern and western shores.
Waymark Code: WM122Z1
Location: Maryland, United States
Date Posted: 02/12/2020
Views: 7
Enemy Occupation Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail-Kent Island served as an ideal base of operations for the British in August 1813, as it was already an important link between Maryland’s eastern and western shores. The British took over the Kent Island-Annapolis ferry, including a cargo of cattle, and used the ferry landing as one of several encampments. As many as 3,000 British troops conducted raids along the middle Bay from Kent Island.
As part of a strategy to disrupt the American economy, the British offered freedom to slaves who escaped their masters and joined the British. More than 150 slaves came from the Eastern Shore. The British destroyed many Kent Island plantations in the short time they held the island.
“From the landing…of cannon on Kent Island, it appears to be the intention of the enemy to keep possession of it for some time…”
Captain Charles Gordon, August 7, 1813.
An estimated 4,000 slaves fled their American masters to pursue freedom with the British. Many former slaves were trained to fight alongside the British as the Colonial Corps of Marines.
Nearby places to explore the War of 1812:
*Slippery Hill Site-Area where Americans skirmished with British troops advancing on Queenstown
*Easton-Site of an armory and the earthworks of Fort Stoakes
*Queenstown-Where British approached by land and water in a surprise attack August 13, 1813
*St. Michaels-Town that twice repulsed British attacks.
[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.
(Inscription in the upper center) Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine-After a 23-hour bombardment, soldiers at Fort McHenry raised a large American flag early on September 14, 1814. That flag, signaling British retreat, inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the words that became America’s national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.
Experience the Trail *Drive through rural landscapes and historic communities. *Paddle or cruise waterways where British and American troops once traveled. *Witness battles at reenactment events. *View the original Star-Spangled Banner flag and visit the house where it was made. *Hike or bike trails with stops at historic sites and scenic overlooks. *Join in commemorative events throughout the region.
[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 strategically 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.
(Inscription in the lower left side)
Explore this pivotal time in American history along the Star-Spangled Banner Historic Trail. To learn more, visit www.starspangeldtrail.net, www.nps.gov/stsp.
Who put it there? Private/Government?: National Park Service-United States Department of the Interior.
Location/Address:
Piney Narrows Road
On the grounds of the Chesapeake Heritage Center.
Chester, MD USA
21619
County/Province: Queen Anne's County
Rate the Site: 
Photos Will Be Uploaded: yes
Date Erected/Dedicated: Not listed
Website (related) if available: Not listed
Hours or Restrictions if Appropiate: Not listed
|
Visit Instructions:
Visit logs must contain at least one new photo (by you) of the waymark. We prefer that neither you nor your GPS be in the photo.
Instead, Please provide some small tid-bit about your visit, or trip to this site, and, if possible, try to provide some fresh view or piece of information about the site.