Annapolis in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

HMS Confiance Cannon

The Naval War of 1812 in Annapolis

— Don't Give Up the Ship —

HMS <i>Confiance</i> Cannon Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 13, 2013

1. HMS Confiance Cannon Marker

Inscription. This gun tube was removed from the British flagship, the HMS Confiance, during the Battle of Lake Champlain with was fought on September 11, 1814. Early in that battle a cannon ball fired by the American flagship Saratoga struck the muzzle of this cannon driving the gun backward with great force into Captain George Downie. The blow killed him instantly. There was no blood or obvious wound until a bad bruise was found on his right groin. His pocket watch had been crushed, too. The dent made by the American cannon ball is seen on the muzzle.

The loss of the brave British leader helped bring victory to the American squadron in the hard-fought battle. The captured Ensign of the HMS Confiance is displayed in Mahan Hall.

The building behind this cannon is named after Commodore Thomas Macdonough, commanding officer of the American squadron. It is home to the boxing, water polo, women's volleyball and gymnastic programs as well as other sports facilities for the Brigade of Midshipmen.

Erected by United States Naval Academy. (Marker Number 5.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. A significant historical date for this entry is September 11, 1814.

Location. 38° 58.967′ N, 76° 28.947′ W. Marker is in Annapolis

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, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County. Marker is on NE Arcade Road. This marker is located on the grounds of the United States Naval Academy in front of Macdonough Hall. A picture ID is required to enter the Academy grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Annapolis MD 21402, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. British 24 Pounder (here, next to this marker); Japanese Ambassador Hirosi Saito (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Burning of the Brig "Peggy Stewart" (about 400 feet away); Butler in Annapolis (about 400 feet away); Norman Scott Natatorium (about 500 feet away); Fort Severn and the United States Naval Academy (about 500 feet away); Site of Old Fort Severn (about 500 feet away); Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Annapolis.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. The Naval War of 1812 in Annapolis Walking Tour.

Additional keywords. HMS Confiance Cannon

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 13, 2013

2. HMS Confiance Cannon Marker

Dented Muzzle of the <i>Confiance</i> Cannon image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 13, 2013

3. Dented Muzzle of the Confiance Cannon

Battle of Plattsburg Bay<br>Macdonough's Victory image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 13, 2013

4. Battle of Plattsburg Bay
Macdonough's Victory

Close-up of image on marker
U.S. Naval Academy Museum Collection

79046 Carron 1812<br>Trunion of the Confiance Cannon image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 13, 2013

5. 79046 Carron 1812
Trunion of the Confiance Cannon

Macdonough Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 13, 2013

6. Macdonough Hall

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 819 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 12, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.