Locust Point Industrial Area in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Army "Sailors," Navy "Soldiers"
-Major George Armistead, Commander Fort McHenry September 1814
The defenders who manned the heavy cannons in front of you represented a unique combination of soldiers and sailors. One unit, the U.S. Sea Fencibles, included civilian sailors. Wearing the clothing of their trade, they were issued muskets, drilled as soldiers and considered part of the U.S. Army.
The United States Chesapeake Flotilla served as part of the U.S. Navy. Most of these men were sailors and included free African-Americans. During the summer of 1814 they fought several engagements in the Chesapeake Bay and ultimately on land where they staged a rear-guard action in an unsuccessful defense of the nation's capital.
Those who served here contributed to the victory. Near this location British bombs killed Charles Messenger of the U.S. Chesapeake Flotilla and wounded Charles Bhare and Robert Green of the U.S. Sea Fencibles.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War of 1812 . A significant historical year for this entry is 1814.
Location. 39° 15.812′ N, 76° 34.716′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in the Locust Point Industrial Area. Memorial is on East Fort Avenue. At Fort McHenry. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1401 Constellation Plaza, Baltimore MD 21230, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Guns that Won the Battle (here, next to this marker); Entering Fort McHenry A Deadly Crossfire (within shouting distance of this marker); A Vast Hospital Once Stood Here (within shouting distance of this marker); You Can Help Save Fort McHenry (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Guns of the Fort The Rodman Cannons (within shouting distance of this marker); Dawn's Early Light (within shouting distance of this marker); Experimental Carriages (within shouting distance of this marker); O'er the Ramparts We Watch! (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 738 times since then and 3 times this year. Last updated on March 27, 2022, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 20, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.