History teaches plenty about the War of 1812 and Maryland’s involvement in the war directly. It was, after all, the Battle of Baltimore that resulted in Francis Scott Key’s composition of the Star-Spangled Banner, our own National Anthem. But let it be known that there were other battles fought throughout other locales in the state aside from the more obvious callouts. The Battle of North Point is one such example. In fact, it was on this very date in 1814 that the often-overlooked battle was fought.
Even though the Battle of North Point resulted in a victory for the British, participating Americans did manage to get in a good fight, which resulted in significant casualties on the British side. Among those casualties was that of Major-General Robert Ross, who led the British force. It also caused Colonel Arthur Brooke to delay British advancement against Baltimore, providing the Americans with the time to adequately prepare for the defense of the city. All in all, it played a significant contributing role in the larger and more winning Battle of Baltimore that dominates the history books today.
In honor of its 211th anniversary, this Flashback Friday Feature serves as a befitting tribute to the often-overlooked Battle of North Point.
The Brewing Battle Cry
A series of triggering events led up to the imminent Battle of North Point. First came the Battle of Bladensburg on August 24, 1814. As it unfolded, Major General Robert Ross led a brigade of veterans from Duke Wellington’s army and a battalion of Royal Marines in a successful defeat of Maryland and DC forces, even going so far as to burn Washington.
Following his actions, Ross withdrew to Royal Navy ships awaiting him at the mouth of the Patuxent River, taking a course further up the Chesapeake Bay with sights set on Baltimore. Do take note, however, that by this time, many British forces had already been defeated during the Battle of Caulk’s Field.
It was early in the morning of September 12, 1814, that Ross and his men (3,700 troops and 1,000 marines) arrived at North Point. Their landing location was somewhere between the Patapsco and Back River. The intent was to commence onward into the city. Little did they know, however, that Major Samuel Smith of the Maryland militia already expected such tactics and was ready and waiting for the British strike. He’d even dispatched Brigadier General John Stricker of Frederick, Maryland, to meet them, along with his organized force of five regiments of Maryland militia, a small militia cavalry regiment from Maryland, a battalion of three volunteer rifle companies, and a battery of six four-pounder field guns.
They set up at Hampstead Hill, located directly outside of Baltimore. Stricker already had intercepted details about the British camping out on a farm just three miles away and therefore dispatched forces between Bear Creek and Bread and Cheese Creek. The woods provided all the adequate coverage they needed. Both the 5th Maryland Regiment and the 27th Maryland Regiment were deployed to the location, as well as six guns, and two other regiments (the 51st and 39th). The 6th Regiment was in reserve.
As part of the plan, the riflemen took position several miles ahead of Stricker’s primary position. But it was American Captain William Dyer who quickly withdrew upon hearing word of British troops landing from the Back River behind him, threatening to cut off his retreat. That’s what led to Stricker deciding to post them on his right flank instead.
The Fighting
The actual fighting at North Point was pursued on that very same day, at midday, to be exact. As the British forces temporarily halted all action in favor of a meal and respite, Stricker decided the best line of defense would be to attack then and there rather than await nightfall. By 1 p.m., Major Richard Heath was already on the scene with an accompanying 250 men and a cannon. Immediately upon arrival, Heath engaged the British in combat.
Because Rear Admiral George Cockburn, who was second in command of the Royal Navy’s American Station, had reservations about advancing on the enemy without more support, Ross agreed to depart and retrieve the main army to bring back for the fight. But before he could put this plan into action, Ross was mortally shot in the chest by an American rifleman. Colonel Arthur Brooke assumed command of the British.
Just two hours later, Brooke already had his troops ready to strike the Americans. He utilized three cannons to block attempts by the 4th Regiment to navigate around the American flank. Meanwhile, he deployed two additional regiments, as well as the naval brigade, to descend on the American center.
The fight proved fateful to many of the men fighting on both sides. The Americans even had to resort to loading their cannons with broken locks, nails, and horseshoes, and other discarded items, before eventually retreating (which was done in good order under Stricker’s guidance).
Counting Casualties
The British, while eventually victorious, nevertheless suffered a bitter blow in the resulting casualties. According to the official British Army casualty report, signed by Major Henry Debbieg, the Battle of North Point resulted in 39 being killed and 251 wounded. Of those reported, 28 who were killed and 217 who were injured belonged to the British Army. Six who were killed and 20 who were wounded came from the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Royal Marines. Four killed and 11 wounded were of the contingents of Royal Marines detached from Cockburn’s fleet. One man, Elias Taylor, and three other wounded men belonged to the Royal Marine Artillery.
Various alternate casualty reports differ in final total numbers, but it can rightfully be agreed that the total number of losses from this particular battle ranged between 39 and 46. There were between 251 and 295 reported injuries and one person missing in action.
A Lasting Legacy
While a crucial part of the overall Chesapeake Campaign, the Battle of North Point remains a surprisingly underrated account in the history books. Once again, even though it often gets overshadowed by the more widely renowned Battle of Baltimore, it was the Battle of North Point that slowed down the British, depleted their strength and numbers significantly, and gave the Americans the advantage of having valuable time to prepare for the latter, more successful outcome.
The Battle of North Point is commemorated through Maryland’s designated state holiday, Defenders Day, which is officially today. Observations typically fall between September 12 and 14 annually.
There were many battles, famous and not, that were fought throughout history and directly on American soil. Throughout the Mid-Atlantic, we have no shortage of excellent examples. The Battle of North Point is just one, standing out as an unsung contributor to a greater end result of enduring freedom.