St. Michaels in Talbot County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Under Fire

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

— War of 1812 —

Under Fire Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, January 31, 2015

1. Under Fire Marker

Inscription. Eleven British barges advanced on the small battery guarding St. Michaels at Parrott’s Point August 10, 1813. Their mission was to capture or destroy any armed vessels rumored to be operating on the river. American defenders fired twice, then abandoned the battery to join the main militia and drive back the invaders. A larger British force returned two weeks later.

Prime Target
The British may have targeted St. Michaels because it was a shipbuilding center known for producing privateers—sleek Chesapeake schooners that preyed on British ships. Several gun barges for the U.S. Chesapeake Flotilla were also built here.

“The destruction of the Battery being complete, and not a Vessel to be seen, I deemed the object of the enterprise fulfilled, and returned on board with the Boats.”
British Lt. James Polkingthorne, August 10, 1813.

(Inscription on the left of the image in the lower left)
British barges, similar to this one pictured in a New England raid, landed enemy troops a Parrott’s Point. Sneak Attack on Essex Shipping by Kipp Solwedell. Image/Courtesy Connecticut River Museum.

(Inscription above the image on the right)
Privateer Surprise, launched at St. Michaels in 1813, captured more than 40 British vessels. Privateer Schooner Surprise-Image/Courtesy Maryland Historical

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Society.

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 year for this entry is 1813.

Location. 38° 47.125′ N, 76° 13.344′ W. Marker is in St. Michaels, Maryland, in Talbot County. Marker is on Green Street. The marker is located on the grounds of Muskrat Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saint Michaels MD 21663, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Maritime Legend #21663 (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lewis Tarr House (about 600 feet away); Maryland National Bank Building (about 600 feet away); This Cannon (about 700 feet away); Veterans Memorial (about 700 feet away); Shallop (about 800 feet away); Navy Point Historic Houses (about 800 feet away); Freedom's Figurehead (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Michaels.

Under Fire Marker with Muskrat Park in the background image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, January 31, 2015

2. Under Fire Marker with Muskrat Park in the background

Muskrat Park on the Miles River image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, January 31, 2015

3. Muskrat Park on the Miles River

Photographed By Don Morfe, January 31, 2015

4. Muskrat Park on the Miles River

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 7, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 332 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 7, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.