Leonardtown in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Invasion!
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 5, 2013
1. Invasion! Marker
Imagine the scene here on July 19, 1814, as Breton Bay filled with barges of British Royal Marines intent on attacking Leonardtown. Rear Admiral George Cockburn led the invasion force that came ashore at the town wharf. Raiders also approached the town by land from the west and east.
The combined British forces of 1,500 vastly outnumbered the town's population and local militia. The British seized tobacco, flour, a small schooner, and 40 stands of arms, but they left the town intact.
America's Nemesis
British Rear Admiral George Cockburn was a celebrated hero of the Royal Navy in the War of 1812, but Americans considered him a villain.
Overseeing naval operations in the Chesapeake from 1813 until the end of the war, Cockburn brought the war directly to towns and plantations to weaken American resolve. He led invasions to Maryland's Eastern Shore, Baltimore, Washington, and elsewhere but Southern Maryland suffered most from his campaign of terror.
"I proceeded...up the Potowmac for...an attack on Leonard's Town...where I understood the 36th American Regiment to be stationed
this page online
Erected 2012 by National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1855.
Location. 38° 17.178′ N, 76° 38.315′ W. Marker is in Leonardtown, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. Marker can be reached from Washington Street (Maryland Route 326). Marker is in Leonard Town Wharf Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Leonardtown MD 20650, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Leonardtown Wharf (within shouting distance of this marker); Origins of the Compass Rose (within shouting distance of this marker); Trade on the Waterfront (within shouting distance of this marker); Fun on the Waterfront (within shouting distance of this marker); Breton Bay (within shouting distance of this marker); Steamboats at the Waterfront (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Legend of Moll Dyer
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 5, 2013
2. Invasion! Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 5, 2013
3. British Marines
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 5, 2013
4. America's Nemesis
John James Halls' 1817 portrait of Rear Admiral Cockburn standing in front of the burning capital.
National Maritime Museum 8HC2619
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 526 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 16, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
