Cottage City in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Road to the Capital
Battle of Bladensburg
— Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail —
The War of 1812 raged on land and sea, touching every border of the young nation. On August 24, 1814, after two years at war, the Americans faced the British here at Bladensburg.
While the American militia were unable to hold back the British attack at the Anacostia River, Marines and sailors—including U. S. Chesapeake Flotillamen—set up a defense blocking the road outside present-day Fort Lincoln Cemetery. After hours of intense fighting, American forces were overrun and British troops marched to invade the Nation's Capital.
In the summer of 1814, the landscape of the battlefield was very different than it is today. Once outside the village of Bladensburg in modern Cottage City and Colmar Manor, buildings gave way to open countryside—gently rolling terrain with farm fields, orchards, and forests.
Erected 2014 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 24, 1814.
Location. 38° 56.319′ N, 76° 57.109′ W. Marker is in Cottage City, Maryland
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Georgetown Road (here, next to this marker); President's Surprise (here, next to this marker); World War II Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Town of Brentwood (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named The Road to the Capital (approx. ¼ mile away); Famous Footsteps (approx. ¼ mile away); Second Line Falls (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named The Road to the Capital (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cottage City.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 25, 2023
2. The cluster of markers near the Cottage City Town Hall
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 54 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 25, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
