Day 1

Calvert Marine Museum

Located in the fishing village of Solomons, the museum features war artifacts and traces troop movements as the Americans fought against a larger and more heavily armed British force.

Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum

This archaeology and history center tells the story of two battles that occurred in June 1814, resulting in the near capture of the U.S. Navy’s “Chesapeake Flotilla”.

Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary

Take a hike along a boardwalk for a closer observation of the region’s unique environment.

Benedict

British troops chose this riverside town as a suitable landing spot for an invasion of Washington, DC.  Today Benedict is known for its fishing, sailing and seafood restaurants and its War of 1812 history. 

Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park

British naval forces disembarked at Mount Calvert to join the Army in preparation of their attack on Washington, DC.  Today, treat yourself to a spectacular view of the Patuxent River and then enjoy a variety of recreational and cultural opportunities in nearby Upper Marlboro.

Day 2

St. Michaels

A day’s diversion across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to Maryland’s Eastern Shore brings you to St. Michaels, known as “The Town that Fooled the British” ever since a summer night in 1813 when, to misdirect a British naval bombardment, residents supposedly extinguished their lights and hung lanterns in trees north of town.  Today, St. Michaels is a quaint waterfront village dotted with shops, restaurants and maritime attractions.

Day 3

Bladensburg

Back on the Western Shore, a waterfront park in Bladensburg provides views of the narrow, Anacostia River Bridge that British forces crossed to attack American defenses during the Battle of Bladensburg, August 24, 1814.

Riversdale House Museum

Following the Battle of Bladensburg, enslaved people from Riversdale helped to bury British and American troops killed during the battle. This Federal-period plantation home offers guided tours.

Baltimore and Fort McHenry National Monument

Site of the successful defense against a British fleet in the Battle of Baltimore on September 12-14, 1814, inspiring Sir Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner".