Following one of the most grim anniversaries in our nations history, we can reflect today on one of our proudest moments as soldiers, militia, and ordinary citizens repulsed the most powerful military in the world at that time. And it all took place in and around Baltimore. A forgotten anniversary known in Maryland as Defenders Day. 199 years ago today, on September 12 1814, Americans observed in terror as the British fleet approached Baltimore at North Point near the mouth of the Patapsco River. About 4,500 British troops landed and began their 11-mile march to Baltimore. As the troops marched, the British warships moved up the Patapsco River toward Fort McHenry and the other defenses around the harbor. On September 13, the ships opened a 25-hour bombardment of the fort, but failed to force its commander,Major George Armistead, and the other defenders to surrender. As the British fleet withdrew down the Patapsco, the garrison flag, now known as the Star- Spangled Banner, was raised over Fort McHenry, replacing the smaller storm flag that flew during the bombardment. -used without permission from the NPS
Posted on: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 14:11:17 +0000
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