Leonardtown in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

A Town Spared

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 10, 2015

1. A Town Spared Marker

Inscription. In July 1813, British troops seized St. Clements and St. George Islands and established a base at Point Lookout. From there they repeatedly raided the countryside, terrorizing local residents

They ramped up their assault in the summer of 1814 with a series of raids along the Potomac side of St. Mary's County, beginning with Leonardtown. On July 19 the British approached the town by land and water. A regiment of county militia stationed in Leonardtown withdrew in advance of the enemy. Meeting no resistance, the British spared the town the devastation the inflicted at Chaptico and elsewhere.

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 July 1813.

Location. 38° 17.347′ N, 76° 38.096′ W. Marker is in Leonardtown, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. Marker is on Guyther Drive when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Leonardtown MD 20650, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Legend of Moll Dyer (within shouting distance of this marker); War Comes to Breton Bay (within shouting distance of this marker); Tudor Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); This Cannon

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(about 300 feet away); Lynching in America / Lynching of Benjamin Hance (about 300 feet away); Leonardtown (about 300 feet away); The Great House (about 400 feet away); Veterans Memorial (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leonardtown.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 10, 2015

2. A Town Spared Marker

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 10, 2015

3. A Town Spared Marker

British Raiders image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 10, 2015

4. British Raiders

British raiders seized arms, flour, tobacco, and other spoils. Plundering was not only malicious but a way to provision their troops. Close-up of Gerry Embleton painting on marker

Admiral Cockburn image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 10, 2015

5. Admiral Cockburn

Rear Admiral George Cockburn commanded the British Royal Navy on the Chesapeake.Close-up of painting on marker

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 10, 2015

6. Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Close-up of map on marker

You Are Here<br>Leonardtown image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 10, 2015

7. You Are Here
Leonardtown

Detail of map on marker

Christ Episcopal Church, Chaptico image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 10, 2015

8. Christ Episcopal Church, Chaptico

Site of a British raid in July 1814. Close-up of photo on marker

Calvert Marine Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 10, 2015

9. Calvert Marine Museum

Exhibits depicting the British presence in Southern Maryland. Close-up of photo on marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 432 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on January 19, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.