Near Croom in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Changing Guard
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Photographed By Anacostia Trails Heritage Area
1. Changing Guard Marker
Inscription.
Changing Guard. Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. Nottingham was the Chesapeake Flotilla’s base in July and early August 1814. The town was hastily abandoned on August 21 as the British moved in. An enemy rear guard protected this important landing while the main force invaded Washington. British vessels here took on wounded soldiers and artillery as the Washington campaign ended.
“Came...to the town of Nottingham...Not an individual was to be seen in the streets, or remained in the house; while the appearance of the furniture, &c., in some places the very bread left in the ovens, showed that it had been evacuated in great haste.” , – British Lt. George Robert Gleig
As British troops marched toward Nottingham they discovered two American militiamen who claimed to be out squirrel hunting. They balked when officers asked why they were hunting with bayonets.
1814 British Map of Nottingham Encampment Sketch of the March of the British Army by Robert Smith, 1814
Nottingham was the Chesapeake Flotilla’s base in July and early August 1814. The town was hastily abandoned on August 21 as the British moved in. An enemy rear guard protected this important landing while the main force invaded Washington. British vessels here took on wounded soldiers and artillery as the Washington campaign ended.
“Came...to the town of Nottingham...Not an individual was to be seen in the streets, or remained in the house; while the appearance of the furniture, &c., in some places the very bread left in the ovens, showed that it had been evacuated in great haste.”
– British Lt. George Robert Gleig
As British troops marched toward Nottingham they discovered two American militiamen who claimed to be out squirrel hunting. They balked when officers asked why they were hunting with bayonets.
1814 British Map of Nottingham Encampment
Sketch of the March of the British Army
by Robert Smith, 1814
Erected by National Park Service.
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° 42.633′ N, 76° 42.264′
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W. Marker is near Croom, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker is at the intersection of Nottingham Road and Tanyard Road, on the left when traveling east on Nottingham Road. Marker is at a sharp bend on Nottingham Road, about 400 feet north of the intersection with Tanyard Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Upper Marlboro MD 20772, United States of America. Touch for directions.
As the British marched toward Nottingham they discovered two American militiamen who claimed to be out squirrel hunting. They balked when officers asked why they were hunting with bayonets.
Close-up of Gerry Embleton painting on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 15, 2013
5. Sketch of the March of the British Army
Close-up of map on marker Beineke Library, Yale
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 15, 2013
6. British Map of the Nottingham Encampment
Close-up of map on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 15, 2013
7. The Squirrel Hunters
Close-up of Gerry Embleton painting on marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2012, by Anacostia Trails Heritage Area of Hyattsville, Maryland. This page has been viewed 666 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on November 26, 2012, by Anacostia Trails Heritage Area of Hyattsville, Maryland. 2, 3. submitted on August 24, 2013, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 25, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • F. Robby was the editor who published this page.
