The narrow land formed by Bear Creek, Bread and Cheese Creek, and Back River was the site of the Battle of North Point on September 12, 1814, where about 3,200 Americans fought 4,500 British in an effort to delay the advance on Baltimore. When Britain threatened Baltimore a year earlier, Bear Creek had already been considered a possible landing place, and more than 400 militiamen were stationed at Camp Eagleston where Bear Creek meets the Patapsco. During the campaign, the British used Bear Creek as a lifeline for communication and support for the army, and after the battle many of the wounded were carried in small boats down Bear Creek to troopships anchored at North Point. Brigadier General John Stricker held a strong position at the junction of the two roads leading from that place to North Point, with Bear Creek protecting his right flank and a marsh protecting his left, where he awaited the enemy’s approach.