01 - Welcome
War Comes to Southern Maryland
Southern Maryland was one of the most affected regions of the country during the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain, which lasted from 1812 to 1815. The active British presence in Southern Maryland, the capital’s first line of defense, resulted in destruction and disruption of daily life for the citizens of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties.
This was not the only war to affect the region. Southern Maryland was greatly affected by the American Revolution, War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I and World War II.
Southern Maryland is home to the Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay, a newly designated National Marine Sanctuary that contains the remains of ships from World War I (along with earlier vessels all the way back to the Revolutionary War). Now designated as the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary, this is the first marine sanctuary in 20 years to be designated, only one of 14 marine sanctuaries in the United States, and the first sanctuary on the Chesapeake Bay. Come kayak or just gaze from the shore!
This region is also a center of innovation, with the Patuxent River Naval Air Station at the forefront of research, development and testing, as well as a training ground for astronauts. To learn more, visit the dynamic Patuxent River Naval Air Museum and Visitor’s Center.
The largest engagement of forces during the Revolutionary War in all of Maryland was in Southern Maryland at St. George Island/Piney Point. You can visit where British forces attempted to invade the mainland in 1776 and were repulsed by Maryland’s “Flying Camp” militia. While visiting, you can also tour the oldest lighthouse on the Potomac. For more information visit St. Mary’s County Parks & Recreation Museums Division.
During almost the entire period of the American Revolution, the British Navy controlled the waters of the Chesapeake. Trade became a high-risk activity and because of Southern Maryland’s accessibility, surrounded and intersected by the waters of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, vessels made easy prey for British ships.
During almost the entire period of the American Revolution, the British Navy controlled the waters of the Chesapeake. Trade became a high-risk activity and because of Southern Maryland’s accessibility, surrounded and intersected by the waters of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, vessels made easy prey for British ships.
The region contributed not only supplies but also people, who fought numerous battles, including the “Battle of Long Island” in 1776. This battle was not fought in Southern Maryland but included men from the region. The Maryland 400 were members of the 1st Maryland Regiment who repeatedly charged a numerically superior British force during the Battle of Long Island, sustaining heavy casualties, but allowing General Washington to evacuate the bulk of his troops to Manhattan successfully. This action is commemorated in Maryland’s nickname, the “Old Line State.” You can visit General Smallwood’s home in Southern Maryland.
