Army "Sailors," Navy "Soldiers"

In September 1814, the defenders of Fort McHenry who manned the heavy cannons included a unique combination of soldiers and sailors. The U.S. Sea Fencibles included civilian sailors who wore the clothing of their trade, were issued muskets, drilled as soldiers, and were considered part of the U.S. Army. The United States Chesapeake Flotilla served as part of the U.S. Navy, and most of its men were sailors and included free African-Americans. During the summer of 1814 they fought several engagements in the Chesapeake Bay and ultimately on land, where they staged a rear-guard action in an unsuccessful defense of the nation's capital. Those who served here contributed to the victory. Near this location British bombs killed Charles Messenger of the U.S. Chesapeake Flotilla and wounded Charles Bhare and Robert Green of the U.S. Sea Fencibles.

Baltimore, Maryland · United States