Tempting Target Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail - Montross, VA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 38° 10.194 W 076° 51.832
18S E 336728 N 4226307
Virginia’s Northern Neck was an attractive target for the British. Its many tobacco plantations—spread over more than a thousand miles of shoreline—were vulnerable to invasion from the water.
Waymark Code: WM1296H
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 04/03/2020
Views: 0
Side 1
Tempting Target
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail-Virginia’s Northern Neck was an attractive target for the British. Its many tobacco plantations—spread over more than a thousand miles of shoreline—were vulnerable to invasion from the water. Launching raids from the Potomac River and its creeks, the British plundered the rich fields and offered freedom to the slaves who worked them.
During 1814, Westmoreland and Northumberland counties endured more raids, suffered greater property destruction, and lost more slaves than Virginia’s other Tidewater counties combined. By mid-August, the Potomac plantations along the shores of the Northern Neck were devastated.
"It is expected and not without reason that farther (sic) attempts will be made, by British troops…to land and pillage the people in this quarter… Their object is negroes and provisions.”
–William Lambert letter to Governor James Barbour, April 23, 1814
(caption)
In 25 days during the summer of 1814 there were nine major raids against counties in Virginia and Southern Maryland.
(sidebar)
Explore more War of 1812-related sites on Virginia’s Northern Neck:
* Westmoreland State Park — View the Potomac River from the cliffs where in 1814 British ships and smoke from nearby raids would have been visible.
* Nomini Creek — Travel by paddled or trailerable boat on the waters where British raiders came ashore twice in 1814.
* Kinsale — Visit the museum and nearby monument to James Sigourney, killed in action when the British overpowered the ship he commanded.
Side 2
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.
Side 3
Chesapeake Engagements, 1814 (Map)
Who put it there? Private/Government?: National Park Service-United States Department of the Interior.
Location/Address:
1650 State Park Rd
On the grounds of Westmoreland State Park near the Visitor Center.
Montross , VA USA
22520
County/Province: Westmoreland 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
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