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Leonardtown in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
 

"O! say can you see…"

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —

 
 
"O! say can you see…" Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 11, 2026
1. "O! say can you see…" Marker
Inscription.
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail traces the War of 1812 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 county 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.

 
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and CastlesWar of 1812Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 14, 1814.
 
Location. 38° 17.348′ N, 76° 38.099′ W. Marker is in Leonardtown, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. It is on Camalier Drive just north of Library Place, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 41685 Library Pl, Leonardtown MD 20650, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Maryland. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, in the Chesapeake Bay Region, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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
"O! say can you see…" Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 11, 2026
2. "O! say can you see…" Marker
distance of this marker: A Town Spared (here, next to this marker); War in the Chesapeake (here, next to this marker); War Comes to Breton Bay (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tudor Hall (about 300 feet away); This Cannon (about 300 feet away); Lynching in America / Lynching of Benjamin Hance (about 300 feet away); Leonardtown (about 300 feet away); The Legend of Moll Dyer (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leonardtown.
 
Another marker is no longer nearby. Leonardtown (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 16 times since then. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
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Aug. 1, 2026