Famous Footsteps

As local militia defended this road, then known as the Bladensburg or Washington turnpike, from approaching British troops in 1814, President Madison, Secretary of State James Monroe, and Francis Scott Key were in the thick of the battle at or near this point. They made and prepared plans for the battle alongside General William Winder and Secretary of War John Armstrong. Francis Scott Key served here as an aide to General Walter Smith of the Georgetown militia and helped direct positions of troops. After the battle, Key traveled to Baltimore with American agent for prisoners of war John Stuart Skinner to seek the release of William Beanes of Upper Marlboro. While waiting aboard the truce ship in Baltimore's harbor, Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry and was inspired to write what would become America's national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Colmar Manor, Maryland · United States