Scotland in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

A Crucial Point

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

By Allen C. Browne, January 7, 2013

1. A Crucial Point Marker

Inscription. This site, where the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River merge, was an observation post for Americans during the War of 1812. It was also staging area for local militia in early summer of 1813.

Two- to Three-thousand British troops occupied the point July 19-27, 1813. They conducted raids into St. Mary's County from here.

"Our situation is extremely critical...The whole fleet is yet lying off Point Look Out. What will be their movement I know not." -- Captain James Forrest, Maryland militia, July 27, 1813

Erected 2012 by National Park Service.

Marker series. This marker is included in the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail marker series.

Location. 38° 2.366′ N, 76° 19.316′ W. Marker is in Scotland, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. Marker can be reached from Point Lookout Road (Maryland Route 5). Touch for map. Marker is on the east side of the parking lot north of the Point Lookout Lighthouse at the end of Point Lookout Road (MD 5). Marker is in this post office area: Scotland MD 20687, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Wilkes Booth (within shouting distance of this marker); Point Lookout State Park

By Allen C. Browne, January 7, 2013

2. A Crucial Point Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Point Lookout-Hammond Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Let There Be Light (within shouting distance of this marker); A Bustling Civil War Community (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shipwreck! (about 600 feet away); Defense Strategies (about 600 feet away); Fort Lincoln (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Scotland.

Categories. • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels •

A Crucial Point Marker & A Place of History Marker image. Click for full size.

By Allen C. Browne, January 7, 2013

3. A Crucial Point Marker & A Place of History Marker

Special Dispatch image. Click for full size.

By Allen C. Browne, January 7, 2013

4. Special Dispatch

War-time communication before the advent of telegraph or railroad was challenging -- and painfully slow. In 1813 the U. S. Postal Service established a post at Point Lookout to monitor British movements. Couriers on horseback traveled daily to Washington D. C. A special courier, dispatched on August 17, 1814, warned of the British Fleet moving up the Chesapeake. Illustration by Gerry Embleton

1814 British Map image. Click for full size.

By Allen C. Browne, January 7, 2013

5. 1814 British Map

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on January 7, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 380 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 7, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.