Perryville in Cecil County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Striking a Blow

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, May 17, 2014

1. Striking a Blow Marker

Inscription. After burning much of Havre de Grace May 3, 1813, British raiders crossed the Susquehanna to Cecil County. At Principio Iron Works they captured a five-gun battery and destroyed the foundry complex and the bridge across Principio Creek. More than 40 finished cannon were also lost to the American war effort that day.

Strategic Target
Principio began operation in 1725 and by 1727 had Maryland's first blast furnace and refinery forge. By 1796 it supplied cannon for the U.S. Navy and privateers. A newspaper reported: "It is not improbable that this Furnace is the object of the enemy's approach to (the) neighborhood."

"The Cecil or Principio Foundery...was one of the most valuable Works of the Kind in America, the Destruction of it...will I trust prove of much national Importance."
-British Rear Adm. George Cockburn to Adm. John B. Warren, May 3, 1813

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 3, 1813.

Location. 39° 34.605′ N, 76° 1.999′ W. Marker is in Perryville, Maryland,

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in Cecil County. Marker is on Philadelphia Road (Maryland Route 7) 0.2 miles east of Jackson Station Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Perryville MD 21903, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Principio Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Susquehanna Manor (approx. 1.4 miles away); Brookland (approx. 2.1 miles away); The Perryville Mule School (approx. 2.1 miles away); A New Town along the Susquehanna (approx. 2.6 miles away); Building the Company Town (approx. 2.6 miles away); The War Effort at Home: Perry Point Ammonium Nitrate Plant (approx. 2.7 miles away); Railroad History (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Perryville.

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, May 17, 2014

2. Striking a Blow Marker

Photographed By Adam Margolis

3. Striking a Blow Marker

The marker is located near the left side of the photo.

Principio Furnace Office image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, May 17, 2014

4. Principio Furnace Office

Credits. This page was last revised on January 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 630 times since then and 13 times this year. Last updated on February 27, 2020, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 17, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on January 9, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 4. submitted on May 17, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.