Colmar Manor in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Famous Footsteps
Battle of Bladensburg
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, April 19, 2014
1. Famous Footsteps Marker
As the militia – local citizens—defended this road, then known as the Bladensburg or Washington turnpike, from approaching British troops in 1814, three historical figures stood in the thick of the battle at or near this point: President Madison, Secretary of State James Monroe, and Francis Scott Key. They were making and preparing plans for the battle alongside commanding General William Winder and Secretary of War John Armstrong.Francis Scott Key was here acting as an aide to American General Walter Smith of the Georgetown militia and helping direct positions of troops. After the battle, Key traveled to Baltimore with American agent for prisoners of war John Stuart Skinner to seek the release of William Beanes of Upper Marlboro. While waiting aboard the truce ship in Baltimore's harbor, Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry and was inspired to write what would become America's national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Erected 2014 by National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812
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Location. 38° 56.136′ N, 76° 56.943′ W. Marker is in Colmar Manor, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker is on Bladensburg Road (Alternate U.S. 1) east of 40th Avenue. Just west of the Burger King at 3933 Bladensburg Rd. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brentwood MD 20722, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Road to the Capital (here, next to this marker); Second Line Falls (a few steps from this marker); Dueling Grounds (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named The Road to the Capital (approx. 0.2 miles away); Marines & Flotillamen (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bladensburg Dueling Grounds (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Valiant Stand (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Road to the Capitol (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Colmar Manor.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, April 19, 2014
2. Famous Footsteps Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, April 19, 2014
3. Three Markers
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, April 19, 2014
4. James Madison
James Madison, the fourth president and the principal writer of the United States Constitution, was the only sitting president to lead troops into battle. At one point on the Bladensburg battlefield, he rode ahead of his troops and nearly crossed into enemy lines but was turned back by an American scout.Close-up of image on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, April 19, 2014
5. James Monroe
James Monroe, the fifth president, was serving as secretary of state to president Madison. For days before the Battle of Bladensburg, Monroe rode across the countryside scouting the British troops, trying to determine where they would strike—Baltimore or Washington?Close-up of image on marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 552 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 26, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
