The 40th Anniversary Defenders’ Day Celebration will take place on Saturday Sept. 5 rom 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday Sept.6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fort Howard Park in Fort Howard where 4,700 British soldiers landed in 1814 to begin the attack on Baltimore.
This event commemorates the Battle of North Point during the War of 1812 between the Americans and the British which was the largest land invasion by a foreign army in United States History.
The Battle of North Point was one of the last major battles of the War of 1812.It was the prelude to the Bombardment of Fort McHenry which saved Baltimore after the British burned Washington, DC a few weeks earlier.
According to legend, Private Daniel Wells and Private Henry McComas, members of Captain Edward Aisquith’s Sharpshooters, shot and mortally wounded British Major General Robert Ross before the beginning of the battle.
The Battle of North Point includes re-enactments (mock battles with live cannon fire), Canadians portraying British soldiers, living history, cooking demonstrations, blacksmithing, War of 1812 medical procedures performed by Dr. Shadyfellow, fencing instruction by the Calvert-Arundel Swordsmen, cricket instruction, period clothing, music, children’s crafts and games, story time, magician, walking tours, food trucks, and other demonstrations and exhibits.Incorporate the Past, History for the Future.
This year’s event includes the role of the African-Americans during the War of 1812 and an exhibit on the Old Defenders.This unique and one-of-a-kind free family event is a must see and has something for everyone.Free parking with free admission.
Defenders’ Day is sponsored by the Dundalk-Patapsco Neck Historical Society, a 501 (c) (3) organization and all proceeds go towards the event.
Students needing community service hours for graduation or anyone who would like to dress up as 1812 soldiers or civilians are encouraged to participate in the event. Girls and women are also encouraged to dress up and participate in the event.
This is a great family activity and period clothing will be on loan for the event. Television stations have been invited and you might see yourself on the local news.
For more information, please call the historical society at 410-284-2331.