Squeeze Tactic

After a victory at Washington, the British targeted Baltimore, the nation’s third largest city, with a population of more than 40,000. Troops landed at North Point on September 12, 1814, and marched north to attack the city from the east, while naval forces sailed up the Patapsco River to attack from the south. This combined pincer movement severely tested the American defenders. Brigadier General John Stricker reported that enemy troops were debarking under cover of gun vessels off the bluff of North Point and that he immediately moved forward the 5th and 27th regiments and his artillery. Major General Samuel Smith, a Revolutionary War officer, businessman, and politician, commanded Baltimore’s defense and led its defenders in repelling the British attack.

Dundalk, Maryland · United States