Colmar Manor in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Road to the Capitol
Battle of Bladensburg
— Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail —
Photographed By Don Morfe, August 18, 2016
1. The Road to the Capitol Marker
The War of 1812 raged on land and sea, touching every border of the young nation. On August 24, 1814, after two years at war, the Americans faced the British here at Bladensburg.
While the American militia were unable to hold back the British attack at the Anacostia River, Marines and sailors —including U. S. Chesapeake Flotillamen—set up a defense blocking the road outside present-day Fort Lincoln Cemetery. After hours of intense fighting, American forces were overrun and British troops marched to invade the Nation's Capital.
[Captions:]
In the summer of 1814, the landscape of the battlefield was very different than it is today. Once outside the village of Bladensburg, in modern Cottage City and Colmar Manor, buildings gave way to open countryside—gently rolling terrain with farm fields, orchards, and forest.
This map shows the progression of the Battle from the Town of Bladensburg toward the Capitol via the Turnpike (modern U.S. Alt 1) and Bunker Hill Road.
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.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Valiant Stand (here, next to this marker); Marines & Flotillamen (a few steps from this marker); Dueling Grounds (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Dueling Grounds (about 400 feet away); The Road to the Capital (about 400 feet away); Bladensburg Dueling Grounds (about 400 feet away); Historic Fort Lincoln Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Second Line Falls (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Colmar Manor.
Photographed By Don Morfe, August 18, 2016
2. The Road to the Capitol Marker
This marker is the marker on the right. Dueling Creek is in the background.
Photographed By Don Morfe, August 18, 2016
3. Sign at the entrance to Colmar Manor Park
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 320 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 2, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
