Charlestown in Cecil County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Shrewd Decision
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, February 3, 2020
1. Shrewd Decision Marker
Hard Pressed
Militiamen were often assigned elsewhere, leaving hometown defense to those exempted from service due to age or infirmity. Outnumbered, and with limited artillery and ammunition, even the bravest defenders rarely rebuffed an attack.
Charlestown residents knew about British raids on Havre ed Grace and neighboring towns at the head of the Bay. Though the enemy had not yet directly threatened their town, local officials made a difficult decision.
Promising no resistance or harboring of military supplies, commissioners relinquished Charlestown to Admiral Cockburn on May 6, 1813.
"I…had a Deputation from Charlesto(w)n in the North East River to assure me that that Place is---at your Mercy, and that neither Guns nor Militia Men shall be suffered there."
-British Rear Admiral George Cockburn to Admiral John B. Warren, May 6, 1813
Erected 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 date for this entry is May 6, 1856.
Location. 39° 34.226′ N, 75° 58.376′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Site of Charlestown Wharf (here, next to this marker); Susquehanna Manor (within shouting distance of this marker); Capt. Michael Rudulph (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt. Col. Nathaniel Ramsay (approx. ¼ mile away); Charlestown (approx. ¼ mile away); Cecil County Memorial Post (approx. 2.2 miles away); St. Mary Anne’s Church (approx. 2.4 miles away); North East (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charlestown.
Photographed By Adam Margolis
2. Shrewd Decision Marker
Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, May 17, 2014
3. War of 1812 Cannon not used to defend the town.
Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, May 17, 2014
4. Original Shrewd Decision Marker
Newer marker has additional text.
Photographed By Adam Margolis
5. Shrewd Decision Marker
Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, May 17, 2014
6. Shrewd Decision Marker and North East River
Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 9, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 585 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 3, 2020, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on January 9, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3, 4. submitted on December 9, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 5. submitted on January 9, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 6. submitted on December 9, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
