Unexpected Resistance

British troops landed at North Point on September 12, 1814, after defeating the Americans at Bladensburg three weeks earlier and invading Washington. As 4,500 men marched up North Point Road toward Baltimore and the Royal Navy assaulted Fort McHenry, they encountered unexpected resistance. Seven miles from the city, they clashed with Americans in the Battle of North Point. The British forced an American retreat but suffered more casualties, including their leader, Major General Robert Ross. Advancing farther, they saw Baltimore’s formidable defenses at Hampstead Hill. When a 25-hour bombardment failed to take Fort McHenry, the navy ended its attack, and the land troops withdrew to their ships.

Edgemere, Maryland · United States