Revered Son
Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail-War of 1812
— Rodgers Tavern —
John and Elizabeth Rodgers owned and operated the mid-18th century Rodgers Tavern here plus a tavern in Havre de Grace. They ran a ferry business between the two. The hostelry here was a popular stop on the Old Post Road.
Their famous son, Commodore John Rodgers, is credited with firing the first shot of the war.
(Inscription above the image at the top left)
John Rodgers commanded a squadron of ships headed by U.S. President, depicted here firing on H. M. Belvidera.
“Your name (Commodore John Rodgers) is worth a thousand Men to us and the animating influence of your presence a thousand more.”
-Commander Roger Spence, September 1814.
(Inscription under the image on the bottom right)
Naval Hero-On June 23, 1812, Commodore Rodgers, commanding the U.S. frigate President, fired on the British frigate Belvidera. During the war, Rodgers captured 23 vessels at sea and was in charge of the naval defense of Baltimore in September 1814.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 23, 1812.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Perryville (a few steps from this marker); Historic Rodgers Tavern (a few steps from this marker); Rodgers Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Post Road - Lower Susquehanna Ferry - Rodgers' Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Count de Rochambeau’s Troops (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Railroad History (about 600 feet away); The War Effort at Home: Perry Point Ammonium Nitrate Plant (approx. 0.3 miles away); A New Town along the Susquehanna (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Perryville.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 7, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 460 times since then and 29 times this year. Last updated on February 24, 2020, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on August 7, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 2. submitted on January 9, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3. submitted on August 7, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 4, 5. submitted on January 9, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 6, 7. submitted on August 7, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
