Annapolis in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
HMS Confiance Cannon
The Naval War of 1812 in Annapolis
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Photographed by Allen C. Browne, June 13, 2013
1. HMS Confiance Cannon Marker
This gun tube was removed from the British flagship, the HMS Confiance, during the Battle of Lake Champlain with was fought on September 11, 1814. Early in that battle a cannon ball fired by the American flagship Saratoga struck the muzzle of this cannon driving the gun backward with great force into Captain George Downie. The blow killed him instantly. There was no blood or obvious wound until a bad bruise was found on his right groin. His pocket watch had been crushed, too. The dent made by the American cannon ball is seen on the muzzle.
The loss of the brave British leader helped bring victory to the American squadron in the hard-fought battle. The captured Ensign of the HMS Confiance is displayed in Mahan Hall.
The building behind this cannon is named after Commodore Thomas Macdonough, commanding officer of the American squadron. It is home to the boxing, water polo, women's volleyball and gymnastic programs as well as other sports facilities for the Brigade of Midshipmen.
Erected by United States Naval Academy. (Marker Number 5.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War of 1812
this page online
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 58.967′ N, 76° 28.947′ W. Marker was in Annapolis, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County. It was on NE Arcade Road. This marker is located on the grounds of the United States Naval Academy in front of Macdonough Hall. A picture ID is required to enter the Academy grounds. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Annapolis MD 21402, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in Central Maryland. It was also in the American Mid-Atlantic and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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: British 24 Pounder (here, next to this
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, June 13, 2013
2. HMS Confiance Cannon Marker
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. The Naval War of 1812 in Annapolis Walking Tour.
Additional keywords. HMS Confiance Cannon
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, June 13, 2013
3. Dented Muzzle of the Confiance Cannon
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, June 13, 2013
4. Battle of Plattsburg Bay
Macdonough's Victory
Macdonough's Victory
U.S. Naval Academy Museum Collection
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, June 13, 2013
5. 79046 Carron 1812
Trunion of the Confiance Cannon
Trunion of the Confiance Cannon
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, June 13, 2013
6. Macdonough Hall
Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,225 times since then and 29 times this year. Last updated on July 10, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 12, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
