War of 1812 Society in the State of Maryland

08/26/2026

Our August Executive Meeting is in the books. Thanks to all of our officers who joined in-person or via Zoom!

08/24/2026

8.23.26 Battle of Bladensburg commemoration at Congressional Cemetery. The ceremony honored the 26 documented District of Columbia 'Citizen Soldiers' who fought at the Battle of Bladensburg and are buried there. The Society of the War of 1812 in Maryland Color Guard presented colors and conducted a 3 volley salute.

08/23/2026

8.23.26 - The Color Guard Congressional Cemetery to Honor the District of Columbia 'Citizen Soldiers' who fought at the Battle of Bladensburg -

08/20/2026

This Defenders Day let's keep in mind the sacrifices made by men of Honor, Courage and Fortitude. Please join us as we remember and celebrate. Happy Defenders Day. Huzzah.

08/19/2026

August 18, 2026, cemetery clean-up with Friends of Old St. Paul's Cemetery.

08/19/2026

Today in History: On Aug. 19th, 1813, the Storm and Garrison flags were delivered to Fort McHenry.

From The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House - August 19, 1813, the 30'x42' Star-Spangled Banner and smaller 17'x25' storm flag for are collected from the household of flagmaker Mary Young Pickersgill. She is given this receipt signed by Deputy Commissary James Calhoun, Jr. Mary is to be paid $405.90 for the garrison flag and $168.54 for the storm flag.
The receipt for the Star-Spangled Banner is part of the Flag House's collection and is one of the only primary documents remaining from the Young-Pickersgill flagmaking business. The receipt is currently on view in our permanent exhibit.
Receipt for the Star-Spangled Banner
August 19, 1813
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Bibbins
Star-Spangled Banner Flag House Collection, FH1938.12.1

08/19/2026

Today in History: On August 19, 1814, the British landed at Benedict, MD, for their march to the "Federal City."

August 19, 1814: More than 50 British vessels anchor off Benedict, MD and discharge 4,500 soldiers.

The British had something big in mind. From Benedict, they could reach Washington, Annapolis, and Baltimore. Americans, unsure of the target, had to position their meager forces to defend these possibilities.

The British invasion had begun.

“[Benedict] is…only 44 or 45 Miles from Washington and there is a high Road…which tho’ hilly is good… I therefore…firmly believe that within forty eight Hours after the Arrival in the Patuxent…the City of Washington might be possessed without Difficulty…” – British Rear Adm. George Cockburn to Vice Adm. Alexander F.I. Cochrane, July 17, 1814

[image: illustration of troops camped across a landscape with anchored ships in the background; caption: more than 4,000 British troops camped in the surrounding valley and hills of Benedict, MD on August 19, 1814; (c) Gerry Embleton]

Destination Southern Maryland

08/07/2026

Attention Society members:

A new batch of our replica Baltimore Battle Monuments is in!

We created these to increase knowledge of one Maryland's most historically important military monuments. It's a great gift idea for the history fans in your family.

Visit our store to purchase: https://md1812.org/members/merchandise/