Annoying the Enemy

Annoying the Enemy. Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. (Panel 1) , After occupying Alexandria for five days, the British withdrew down the Potomac River in early September 1814. To “annoy or destroy” the British ships, Americans established two gun batteries on opposite shores, about six miles apart., Troops at the White House gun battery in Virginia delayed the British squadron for several days. This gave Americans time to erect a battery at Indian Head, Maryland, across the river from here. Its commander was Captain Oliver Hazard Perry, a celebrated war hero from the Battle of Lake Erie., Outmatched by the British at Indian Head, the exchange of fire there lasted only about an hour., “The battery… at the Indian Head was of too small a caliber to make much impression on the Enemy as they descended the Potomak.” , - Captain Oliver Hazard Perry to Secretary of Navy William Jones, September 9, 1814, (caption) , Americans set ships ablaze and sent them to impede the British withdrawing down the Potomac, Late 19th century drawing by William Bainbridge Hoff suggests how the White House gun battery might have looked in 1814., (sidebar) , Nearby places to explore the historic Potomac River: , . Leesylvania - Launch a boat or paddlecraft here to explore a stretch of the Potomac where the British and Americans fought in 1814. , . Fort Washington - Enjoy sweeping views of the Potomac River at this national park. Americans destroyed the original fort to keep it from enemy hands. , . Alexandria - Visit Old Town Alexandria, which survived the war because of a bargain with the British., (Panel 2) , War in the Chesapeake , During the War of 18 12 the young United States was embroiled in conflict with Great Britain. From 1812 to 1815 Americans fought to protect their rights and economic independence. They faced superior enemy forces on the homefront and the high seas., The strategically important Chesapeake Bay region felt the brunt of the war, choked by shipping blockades and ravaged by enemy raids. The events in this region were crucial to the outcome of the war., Though there was no clear victor at the end of the war, the United States protected its democracy and emerged with heightened stature on the world stage., Explore this pivotal time in American history along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, (Panel 3) , "O! say can you see...", The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail traces the War of 18 12 in the Chesapeake. Along the trail you'll encounter tangible evidence of the war and stories that bring the people and events to life. Discover the far-reaching impacts of the war on this country and the world., Experience the Trail , . Drive through rural landscapes and historic communities , . Paddle or cruise waterways where British and American troops once traveled , . Witness battles at reenactment events , . View the original Star-Spangled Banner flag and visit the house where it was made , . Hike or bike trails with stops at historic sites and scenic overlooks , . Join in commemorative events throughout the region, (caption) , Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine , After a 25-hour bombardment, soldiers at Fort McHenry raised a large American flag early on September 14, 1814. That flag, signaling British retreat, inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the words that became America's national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner