Colmar Manor in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Road to the Capital
Battle of Bladensburg
— Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail —
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 2, 2014
1. The Road to the Capital 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.
Erected 2014 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. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 38° 56.045′ N, 76° 57.146′ W. Marker is in Colmar Manor, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker is on Bladensburg Road near 38th Avenue, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brentwood MD 20722, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bladensburg Dueling Grounds (here, next to this marker); Dueling Grounds (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Dueling Grounds
this page online
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 2, 2014
2. The Road to the Capital Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 2, 2014
3. Three Marker's at Dueling Creek
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 2, 2014
4. Landscape
In the summer of 1814, the landscape of the battlefield was very different than 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 forests.Close-up of Richard Schlect's painting on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 2, 2014
5. Map
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.Close-up of Steven Stanley's map on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 2, 2014
6. 1:15 PM. August 24 1814
Thornton's British 1st Brigade crosses Tunnicliff Bridge to attack Kramer's American Battalion. The Bladensburg Road bridge over Dueling Creek was Tunnicliff's Bridge in 1814.Detail of Map on Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 2, 2014
7. Dueling Creek and The Dueling Grounds from the Bridge
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 586 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 13, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
