Capitol Heights in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Misery
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
— War of 1812 —
Photographed By Don Morfe, January 1, 2015
1. Misery Marker
In the stifling heat on August 24, 1814, British soldiers struggled to keep up their march. They rested at Addison Chapel prior to that afternoon’s battle at Bladensburg.
Despite an altered roofline, chapel resembles the 1809 structure seen by the British. Benjamin Stoddert, first U.S. secretary of the navy, is buried there.
Surprise Switch
The British brought few horses and picked up others along the way. Tradition holds that a British sympathizer on a fine horse greeted British officers resting at Addison Chapel. To his surprise, they took his horse and sent him off on a worn-out hack.
“The sun…now beat upon us in full force; and the dust rising in thick masses from under our feet…flew directly into our faces…”
-British Lt. George Robert Gleig.
[Caption:]
Weary from days of marching, the British troops rested when they had a chance.
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 year for this entry is 1814.
Location. 38° 53.892′ N, 76°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bungalow Row (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fairmount Heights Elementary School (about 800 feet away); Charity Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Doswell Brooks House (approx. 0.2 miles away); All Veterans of Seat Pleasant (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Original Municipal Center (approx. 0.2 miles away); Municipal Center Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Masonic Lodge No. 92 / The Columbine Chapter No. 46 (approx. 0.2 miles away).
Photographed By Don Morfe, January 1, 2015
2. Misery Marker
Photographed By Gerry Embleton
3. Weary British Soldiers
Close-up of Gerry Embleton painting on marker
Photographed By Gerry Embleton
4. Surprise Switch
The British brought few horses and picked up others along the way. Tradition holds that a British sympathizer on a fine horse greeted British officers resting at Addison Chapel. To his surprise, they took his horse and sent him off on a worn-out hack.Close-up of Gerry Embleton painting on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, July 5, 2018
5. St. Mathews Episcopal Church
Despite an altered roofline, the chapel resembles the 1809 structure seen by the British.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 452 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 2, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 6, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
