Riverdale Park in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Signs of War

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, July 13, 2014

1. Signs of War marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

"We have been in a state of continual alarm." - Rosalie Steir Calvert, 1814

From her home on August 24, 1814, Rosalie Stier Calvert saw rocket fire as the Battle of Bladensburg raged two miles away. Soon she would learn of the British victory and know from the reddened skies over Washington that the enemy had reached the city.

Her husband George and their field-hands helped to bury the dead after battle. Mr. Calvert visited injured British officers recuperating in Bladensburg.

Erected 2014 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 year for this entry is 1814.

Location. 38° 57.635′ N, 76° 55.938′ W. Marker is in Riverdale Park, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker can be reached from Oliver Street. Marker is inside the Oliver Street gate of Riversdale Mansion. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4887 Oliver Street, Riverdale MD 20737, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to Riversdale (a few steps from this marker); This Demiculverin (within shouting distance of this marker); The Riversdale Dependency (within shouting distance of this marker); Betty's Garden (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to the Riversdale Garden (about 300 feet away); Riverdale School (about 400 feet away); Riverdale Park (about 400 feet away); The Harry Smith House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Riverdale Park.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, July 13, 2014

2. Signs of War Marker

The Battle of Bladensburg image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, July 13, 2014

3. The Battle of Bladensburg

Close-up of of Richard Schlecht painting on marker

High Anxiety image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, July 13, 2014

4. High Anxiety

The War of 1812 distressed plantation owners. The British blockade prevented them from selling tobacco abroad. Enemy raiders devastated plantations and tobacco storehouses and lured away enslaved workers. The Calverts feared Riversdale might be at risk, but the British eyed bigger targets. Mrs. Calvert wrote: "We hardly suffered at all."Close-up of Gerry Embleton painting on marker

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 24, 2013

5. Riversdale

1812 Artillerymen image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 24, 2013

6. 1812 Artillerymen

War of 1812 reenactors at Riversdale

Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 430 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 14, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.