Unexpected Resistance

Unexpected Resistance. Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. , British troops landing at North Point on September 12, 1814, could almost taste victory. Three weeks earlier they defeated the Americans at Bladensburg and invaded Washington. Now 4,500 men marched up North Point Road toward Baltimore, while the Royal Navy launched an assault on Fort McHenry., They met unexpected resistance. Seven miles from the city they clashed with Americans in the Battle of North Point. The British forced an American retreat but suffered more casualties, including their leader, Major General Robert Ross. Marching forward they saw the city’s formidable defenses at Hampstead Hill. When a 25-hour bombardment failed to take Fort McHenry, the navy aborted its attack, and the land troops withdrew to their ships., “To our mortification we found the troops on the main road for a retreat…” , -British Lieutenant George Robert Gleig, (caption) Thomas Ruckle fought at the Battle of North Point with the 5th Maryland Regiment and later painted his recollection of the action., Places to explore the Battle of Baltimore: , North Point State Park - Exhibits and programs about War of 18 12 , Todd’s Inheritance Historic Site. , North Point State Battlefield - Site of battle between British and the American militia; General Ross mortally wounded in skirmish before main engagement. , Todd’s Inheritance - Historic property, rural section of North Point Road suggesting period landscape. , Battle Acre Park - Monument honoring North Point “Old Defenders” , Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine - Exhibits and programs about the Star Spangled Banner and defense of Baltimore.