Leonardtown in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Invasion!
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
| | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | |
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 and much Stores &ca. to be deposited...The Enemy...withdrew whatever armed Force he had...and permitted us to take quiet Possession of it..." -- Rear Admiral George Cockburn to Vice Admiral
this page online
Erected 2012 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
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. It 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.
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, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. 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 marker: Discover Southern Maryland's Amazing Stories of Exploration, Hope, and Courage (a few steps from this marker); Ways to Explore Southern Maryland's Scenic and Historic Routes (a few steps from this marker); Waterfront Park in the Critical Area (within shouting distance of this marker); Origins of the Compass Rose (within shouting distance of this marker); Restoring Oysters in Breton Bay / Restauraciσn de ostras en la Breton Bay (within shouting distance of this marker); Trade on the Waterfront (within shouting distance of this marker); Breton Bay
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 11, 2026
2. Invasion! Marker
The marker has weathered slightly but remains legible.
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, January 5, 2013
3. Invasion! Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 788 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 16, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 2. submitted on April 16, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on January 16, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
