Solomons in Calvert County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Enemy Blockade
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Don Morfe, February 10, 2015
1. Enemy Blockade Marker
British warships blockaded the mouth of the Patuxent River after the Chesapeake Flotilla and Royal Navy skirmished off Cedar Point to the south June 1, 1814. Drum Point to the north served as a major British anchorage. The British made mischief in the vicinity---attacking the Sewall property at Cedar Point, the Somervell property on Point Patience, and other sites.
Trapped!
The U.S. Chesapeake Flotilla escaped up the Patuxent following the Cedar Point skirmish. Flotilla commander Joshua Barney sought safety in St. Leonard Creek, four miles upriver. The British pursued, and the largest naval engagement in Maryland waters occurred there June 8-10 and June 26, 1814.
“I then made the signal ‘for Patuxent,’ and was followed by a 74 (ship-of-the-line with 74 guns), the three schooners & Seven Barges…at 4 PM we doubled round Cedar point in the mouth of this river.”
Com. Joshua Barney to Secretary of Navy William Jones, June 3, 1814.
(Inscription under the image on the marker) The Chesapeake Flotilla-image/Richard Schleon.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S.
this page online
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 month for this entry is June 1814.
Location. 38° 19.21′ N, 76° 27.131′ W. Marker is in Solomons, Maryland, in Calvert County. Marker is on Farren Avenue. The marker is next to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science-Research Fleet Operations. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Solomons MD 20688, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Solomons House & Visitor Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Parish House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Saunders House (about 500 feet away); Becker House (about 500 feet away); Mansueti Laboratory (about 600 feet away); Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (about 800 feet away); M. M. Davis Shipyard (approx. 0.4 miles away); J. C. Lore & Sons Oyster House (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Solomons.
Photographed By Don Morfe, February 10, 2015
2. Close up of the map on the Enemy Blockade Marker
1814 Sketch of British Blockade by Com. Joshua Barney
Photographed By Don Morfe, February 10, 2015
3. Enemy Blockade Marker overlooking the Patuxent River
Photographed By Don Morfe, February 10, 2015
4. Enemy Blockade Marker next to the entrance to the University of Maryland Center
Photographed By Pete Payette, June 19, 2017
5. Enemy Blockade Marker
Marker has been moved across the street from its original location.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 387 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 27, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 5. submitted on June 26, 2017, by Pete Payette of Orange, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
