Brentwood in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Dueling Grounds
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, April 19, 2014
1. Dueling Grounds Marker
Inscription.
Dueling Grounds. . Near this site, more than fifty duels were fought during the first half of the 19th century. This is where gentlemen of Washington settled their political and personal differences, on what became known as "The Dark and Bloody Grounds". One of the most famous disputes was that between Commodores Stephen Decatur and James Barron, which was settled here on Mar. 22, 1820. Commodore Decatur who gained fame as the conqueror of the Barbary Pirates, was fatally wounded by his antagonist. Although Congress passed an anti-dueling law in 1839, duels continued here until just before the Civil War.
Near this site, more than fifty duels were fought during the first half of the 19th century. This is where gentlemen of Washington settled their political and personal differences, on what became known as "The Dark and Bloody Grounds". One of the most famous disputes was that between Commodores Stephen Decatur and James Barron, which was settled here on Mar. 22, 1820. Commodore Decatur who gained fame as the conqueror of the Barbary Pirates, was fatally wounded by his antagonist. Although Congress passed an anti-dueling law in 1839, duels continued here until just before the Civil War.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1862.
Location. 38° 56.006′ N, 76° 57.179′ W. Marker is in Brentwood, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker can be reached from Bladensburg Road. Marker on the grounds of Fort Lincoln Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brentwood MD 20722, United States of America. Touch for directions.
"With favor Wilt Thou Compass Us as with a Shield"
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 647 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on April 22, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.