A County in Ruin - Owings, MD
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 38° 41.503 W 076° 38.417
18S E 357346 N 4283843
The marker is located on the grounds of the Fairview Public Library and Visitor Center, Southern Maryland Blvd (SR 4),Owings, MD United States 20736
Waymark Code: WM18QQC
Location: Maryland, United States
Date Posted: 09/13/2023
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.
Name of Battle:
Battle in Calvert County
Name of War: War of 1812
Date(s) of Battle (Beginning): 06/30/1814
Entrance Fee: Not Listed
Parking: Not Listed
Date of Battle (End): Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Post a photo of you in front of a sign or marker posted at the site of the battle (or some other way to indicate you have personally visited the site.
In addition it is encouraged to take a few photos of the surrounding area and interesting features at the site.