Prelude to War
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
| | War of 1812 | |
The British, intercepting Baltimore-based Sophia at sea, demanded a tax on each gallon of gin. When Sophia returned home, citizens---angered that the “infamous tribute” had been paid---ordered the cargo “condemned to flames” in protest.
Tensions Mount-The Sophia episode was just one of numerous times the British stopped American merchant ships---sometimes forcing crewmen into the Royal Navy. Many unlucky ships and sailors hailed from Baltimore.
“
the brig Sophia, of Baltimore
was boarded by an English gun brig, the commander of which ordered (the) vessel to England to pay duties on his cargo.”
–Easton Republican Star, November 4, 1808.
(Inscription beside the image on the left)
With great ceremony, fires consumed the barrels of gin hanging from makeshift gallows on Hampstead Hill.
(Inscription beside the image on the right)
The practice of “impressments” forcing American sailors into the British navy was one of the causes of the War of 1812.
(Inscription under the image on the right)
Impressment of American seamen following
this page online
Erected by National Park Service-United States 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 year for this entry is 1808.
Location. 39° 17.418′ N, 76° 35.034′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in Patterson Park. It is on South Patterson Park Avenue. The marker is located in Patterson Park near the Pagoda. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Baltimore MD 21231, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Patterson Park (a few steps from this marker); Show of Strength (within shouting distance of this marker); The Star-Spangled Banner Centennial Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); This Cannon Marks Rodgers Bastion (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Patterson Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. Memorial Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); 122 South Patterson Park Avenue
The Granger Collection, New York.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,408 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 14, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 24, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
