Croom in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Enemy Bluff
Star-Spangled Banner Historic Trail
By Allen C. Browne, July 13, 2014
1. Enemy Bluff Marker
On August 22, 1814, American Brigadier General William Winder Spotted the enemy invasion force approaching this church, then called Page Chapel. The British marched west toward Bellefields, Woodyard, and Fort Washington, then doubled back before heading north to Upper Marlboro.Uncertain of the enemy's intent, Winder held his troops overnight at Long Old Fields (now Forestville), two days later, the opposing armies battled at Bladensburg.
"I proceeded...to gain an observation of the enemy, and came with in view of the enemy's advance about two miles below the chapel."- American Brigadier General William H. Winder, September 26, 1814
Erected 2014 by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • War of 1812.
Location. 38° 44.91′ N, 76° 45.541′ W. Marker is in Croom, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker can be reached from Saint Thomas Church Road. Marker is in front of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church. Touch for map
By Allen C. Browne, July 13, 2014
2. Enemy Bluff Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. St. Thomas' Parish Church (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Simon's Episcopal Mission (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bishop Thomas John Claggett (about 300 feet away); St. Simon's Mission, 1896 (about 700 feet away); Croom (approx. ¾ mile away); Bellefields (approx. one mile away); Shaded Reprieve (approx. 2½ miles away); Columbia Air Center (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Croom.
Also see . . .
1. St. Thomas Church Site, Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties. (Submitted on August 10, 2019.)
2. Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, National Park Service. (Submitted on August 10, 2019, by David Lassman of Waldorf, Maryland.)
3. Star-Spangled Banner Byway, Maryland Office of Tourism. (Submitted on August 10, 2019.)
National Park Service, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, June 24, 2019
3. Enemy Bluff Marker
In the background is the St. Thomas Parish Church marker and the exterior of St. Thomas Church.
By Allen C. Browne, July 13, 2014
4. Marching and Counter Marching
British Soldiers marched past Page's Chapel, then made a feint to confuse the Americans.Close-up of Gerry Embleton painting on marker
By Allen C. Browne, July 13, 2014
5. National Humiliation Day
Page's Chapel was Episcopal Bishop Thomas John Claggett's home church. In 1812 President Madison declared the third Thursday in August a day of "fasting, prayer, and humiliation" for the declaration of war. Claggett ordered all churches in the Diocese of Maryland to comply.
Page's Chapel (1745) Architectural Rendering Firm of Milton L. Grigg, 1954.Close-up of drawing on marker
Page's Chapel (1745) Architectural Rendering Firm of Milton L. Grigg, 1954.
By Allen C. Browne, July 13, 2014
6. Saint Thomas Episcopal Church
The center part of this church was Page's Chapel.
By Allen C. Browne, July 13, 2014
7. Seven British Soldiers
Local legend tells that seven British soldiers who died of heatstroke on the march to Washington were buried in unmarked graves on the edge of the Berry family plot in St. Thomas Church Cemetery. These stones commemorate them.
By Allen C. Browne, July 13, 2014
8. Fielder Bowie (1792-1866)
Fielder Bowie II was a private in the 17th Maryland Militia during the War of 1812. Headstone in St.Thomas Church Cemetery
By Allen C. Browne, July 13, 2014
9. Eversfield Bowie (1773-1816)
In Memory of Eversfield Bowie, Captain of Nottingham Cavalry Company, 7th Maryland Militia, War of 1812. Modern headstone in St.Thomas Church Cemetery
Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 385 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 15, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 3. submitted on August 10, 2019. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on July 15, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
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