Lexington Park in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Against the Odds
Star-Spangled Banner National Trail
By Allen C. Browne, January 5, 2013
1. Against the Odds Marker
Both a squadron of the British navy and severe weather challenged the famed Chesapeake Flotilla off Cedar Point on June 1, 1814. The modest fleet of armed barges was assembled by Joshua Barney to harass British ships. With an inadequate professional navy in the War of 1812, Barney's flotilla was the best hope for disrupting British operations on the Bay.
After advancing on the superior British squadron, the flotilla escaped into the Patuxent and became trapped by enemy ships.
"...with a fresh wind, Squally & Rain...we doubled round cedar point...my Barges rowed down upon [the schooners] and gave them a number of shot at long distance. We then gave up the chase." -- Commodore Joshua Barney to Secretary of Navy William Jones, June 3, 1814.
Hazardous Duty
Barney's 500 flotillamen were a hardy -- perhaps foolhardy -- lot. They rowed into battle fully exposed to enemy fire and the elements. Cramped side-by-side, they rowed feverishly, muscles aching from maneuvering 50- and 75-foot barges,and jolted from guns fired onboard. Drenching rains and churning waters assaulted them off Cedar Point. Amazingly
By Allen C. Browne, January 5, 2013
2. Against the Odds Marker
Erected 2012 by National Park Service.
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.
Location. 38° 16.603′ N, 76° 27.794′ W. Marker is in Lexington Park, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. Marker can be reached from Three Notch Road (Maryland Route 5). Marker is in front of the Patuxent Naval Air Museum at 22156 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 22156 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park MD 20653, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Patuxent River Naval Air Museum (a few steps from this marker); McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II (within shouting distance of this marker); Cedar Point Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Cedar Point Lighthouse Cupola (1896) (within shouting distance of this marker); Bell-Boeing MV-22B Osprey Test Aircraft No. 8 ("Eight-ball") (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Grumman A-6 Intruder (about 300 feet away); Beech T-34B Mentor (about 300 feet away); Raytheon T-6A Texan II (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington Park.
By Allen C. Browne, January 5, 2013
3. The Chesapeake Flotilla
By Allen C. Browne, January 5, 2013
4. Painting of Joshua Barney ca. 1817 by Rembrandt Peale
Image/courtesy Maryland Historical Society BCLM-CA 682
By Allen C. Browne, January 5, 2013
5. Joshua Barney's sketch of a rowing barge
From a display panel in the Patuxent Naval Air Museum
By Allen C. Browne, January 5, 2013
6. Map showing the Battles of Cedar Point and St. Leonard's Creek
From a display inside the Patuxent Naval Air Museum
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 469 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 13, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
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