Colmar Manor in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Storming the Bridge
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
| | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | |
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 13, 2012
1. Storming the Bridge Marker
A wooden bridge just upriver became the focal point on August 24, 1814, when American and British forces clashed in the Battle of Bladensburg. The British approached from the east, clarifying their intent -- to invade Washington. The Americans formed three defensive lines: the first here to protect the bridge, the second along present-day 40th Avenue, and the third at Fort Lincoln Cemetery at the District Line. At 1:00p.m. the British stormed the bridge.
"The [Americans] were drawn up in three lines upon the brow of a hill This river flowed between the heights occupied by the American Forces, and the little town of Bladensburg. Across it was thrown a narrow bridge " -- British Lieutenant. George Robert Gleig, eyewitness
Heat of Battle
More than 10,000 men battled here, sweltering in heavy uniforms. The British veteran force of 4,500, commanded by Major General Robert Ross, had marched for four days carrying loaded packs in near 100-degree heat.
Brigadier General. William H. Winder commanded about 6,000 Americans, including 1,000 regulars, 400 Chesapeake Flotilla crewmen, 114 marines and inexperienced militia.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic
this page online
Location. 38° 56.284′ N, 76° 56.586′ W. Marker has been reported damaged. Marker is in Colmar Manor, Maryland, in Prince George's County. It is on Bladensburg Road (Alternate U.S. 1), on the left when traveling west. At the west end of the Anacostia River bridge along the Anacostia River Trail near The National News Agency at 4331 Bladensburg Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brentwood MD 20722, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Crossroads of Trade and Travel (here, next to this marker); The Road to the Capital (here, next to this marker); Medhane Alem Eritrean Orthodox Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); World War II Honor Roll (about 800 feet away); Peace Cross (about 800 feet away); Undaunted In Battle (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named The Road to the Capital (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Colmar Manor.
Additional commentary.
1. The illustration
Photographed by Mike McKeown, February 17, 2025
2. Storming the Bridge Marker
The marker has weathered significantly.
The background illustration on this marker is "The Battle of Bladensburg" by Richard Schlecht.
— Submitted November 15, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 14, 2012
3. Storming the Bridge Marker
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 13, 2012
4. The present-day Anacostia River bridge with the Storming the Bridge marker
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 13, 2012
5. Heat of Battle
More than 10,000 men battled here, sweltering in heavy uniforms.The British veteran force of 4,500, commanded by General Robert Ross, had marched for four days carrying loaded packs in near 100-degree heat.
Brigadier General William H. Winder commanded about 6,000 Americans, including 1,000 regulars, 400 Chesapeake Flotilla crewmen, 114 marines, and inexperienced militia.Close-up of Gerry Embleton painting on marker
Brigadier General William H. Winder commanded about 6,000 Americans, including 1,000 regulars, 400 Chesapeake Flotilla crewmen, 114 marines, and inexperienced militia.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 921 times since then and 28 times this year. Last updated on July 20, 2025, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on November 15, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 2. submitted on July 20, 2025, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. 3, 4. submitted on November 15, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 5. submitted on August 3, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
