A County in Ruin Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail - Owings, MD
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 38° 41.503 W 076° 38.417
18S E 357346 N 4283843
British raiding parties brought the war to Calvert County in 1814, destroying plantations and towns and carrying away the spoils.
Waymark Code: WM16MXK
Location: Maryland, United States
Date Posted: 08/30/2022
Views: 0
A County in Ruin Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail-War 1812
British raiding parties brought the war to Calvert County in 1814, destroying plantations and towns and carrying away the spoils. With the county’s tobacco-based economy and England as its primary market at the start of the war, Britain’s blockade of Chesapeake waters was devastating for local residents.
The Maryland Gazette reported “a retaliatory system of plunder and conflagration” by the British following the Battles of St. Leonard Creek. People fled their homes. The original towns of Huntington and St. Leonard were burned to the ground. Many residents left war-torn Maryland to start anew elsewhere. Recovery following the War of 1812 was especially difficult for Calvert and the rest of Southern Maryland.
Some places to learn more about the War of 1812 in Calvert County
*Prince Frederick
Site of British raid and burning of courthouse and jail
*Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park
Plantation house; site where Royal Marines landed to join in the march to Washington
*Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
Exhibits; site of largest naval engagement in Maryland history *Calvert Marine Museum-Exhibits depicting the British presence in Southern Maryland.
“In Calvert County absolute ruin has… overwhelmed its citizens…”
Maryland Gazette, June 30, 1814
(Inscription below the main image-right side)
The British often targeted stores of tobacco in their efforts to damage local economies.
[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.
Group that erected the marker: National Park Service
Address of where the marker is located. Approximate if necessary:
Southern Maryland Blvd (SR 4)
On the grounds of the Fairview Public Library and Visitor Center.
Owings, MD United States
20736
URL of a web site with more information about the history mentioned on the sign: Not listed
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