Show of Strength
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
— War of 1812 —
British land forces approaching on September 13, 1814, stopped at the sight of the well-armed defenses. Deciding that storming the American stronghold would be too costly, the British army retreated.
Baltimore’s Heroes-Credit for the defenses goes to Major General Samuel Smith and Commodore John Rogers. Smith coordinated the overall effort. Rodgers commanded Hampstead Hill, including a bastion where the pagoda now stands
(Inscriptions near the images on the left)
Major General Samuel Smith by Rembrandt Peale, ca. 1817-18-image courtesy Maryland Historical Society and Commodore John Rogers by John Wesley Jarvis, ca. 1814-image courtesy National Gallery of Art.
“(Baltimore) was…defended by extremely Strong Works on every Side, and immediately in front of us by an extensive Hill on which was an entrenched Camp and great quantities of artillery, and …at least… 15 to 20,000 Men.”
–British Rear Admiral George Cockburn to Vice Admiral Alexander F.I. Cochrane, September 15, 1814.
(Inscription at the bottom)
The Gathering
this page online
Erected by National Park Service-United States Department of the Interior.
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 month for this entry is September 1600.
Location. 39° 17.4′ N, 76° 35.016′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in Patterson Park. Marker is on South Patterson Park Avenue. The marker is located on the grounds of Patterson Park near the Pagoda. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Baltimore MD 21231, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Star-Spangled Banner Centennial Monument (here, next to this marker); This Cannon Marks Rodgers Bastion (a few steps from this marker); Patterson Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Prelude to War (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Patterson Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. Memorial Fountain (about 300 feet away); 122 South Patterson Park Avenue (about 300 feet away); Conradin Kreutzer (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Maryland Historical Society
Maryland Historical Society
National Gallery of Art
Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 929 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 14, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 24, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
