Bladensburg in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
British Advance
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 13, 2012
1. British Advance Marker
This house from the days when Bladensburg was a busy port town where George Washington stopped as he traveled the Old Post Road. On August 24, 1814, the British established an artillery position nearby and fired cannon and rockets at American defenders. Local tradition claims that walls of the house were scarred by cannonballs, but no evidence exists.
Rockets Flying
Three weeks before Francis Scott Key immortalized the "rockets red glare" over Fort McHenry in the "Star Spangled Banner," British rockets screamed over the battlefield here. Congreve rockets reached targets a mile or more away. British artillery also included one 6 pounder and two 3 pounders -- named for the weight of their cannonballs.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1814.
Location. 38° 56.458′ N, 76° 56.466′ W. Marker is in Bladensburg, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker is on Upshur Street near Baltimore Avenue (U.S. 1), on the right when traveling east. On Upshur Street across from the Indian Queen Tavern at 4302 Baltimore Avenue on the north end of the Bladensburg Balloon Gardens Historic Park. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bladensburg Monuments (here, next to this marker); George Washington House (a few steps from this marker); The Road to the Capital (a few steps from this marker); Indian Queen Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Undaunted In Battle (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Peace Cross (about 600 feet away); Veterans Memorial (about 700 feet away); World War II Honor Roll (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bladensburg.
Also see . . .
1. The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. Website homepage (Submitted on November 14, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)
2. Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on November 14, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 13, 2012
2. British Advance Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 13, 2012
3. British Advance Marker across from the Indian Queen Tavern and the "George Washington House" marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 11, 2011
4. The Indian Queen Taven, headquarters of the Anacostia Watershed Society
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 13, 2012
5. Bronze Plaque by the front door of the Indian Queen Tavern
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, April 5, 2008
6. Indian Queen Tavern sign
Credits. This page was last revised on August 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 619 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 14, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
