Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

—War of 1812 —

To weaken the American economy, the British took tobacco and lured the enslaved labor force from plantations along the Potomac River. Physically fit males also provided the British with a valuable source of new recruits.

The British offered the recruits pay, uniforms, training—and an opportunity to fight against their former owners. The fugitive slaves knew the area well and could lead raiding parties. Their skills and determination made them important assets to the British military.

Others, especially women, were paid to cook, clean, and wash laundry. Many former slaves left the area to resettle in British territories.

"The Black Population inclined to join us is more numerous on the Shores of the Potowmac than any where else within the Chesapeake."
-Rear Admiral George Cockburn to Sir Alexander Cochrane, July 17, 1814

(caption)
(right) Rear Admiral George Cockburn organized former slaves as a special unit of the Colonial Corps of Marines to fight alongside British soldiers in 1814.

(sidebar)
Explore more Star-Spangled Banner Trial sites along the Potomac River:
* George Washington Birthplace — Visit the colonial-era farm here to learn more about the region's early tobacco economy.
* Stratford Hall Plantation
— Discover the Lee family connections to the War of 1812 while enjoying a spectacular view of the Potomac River.
* Nomini Creek — Travel by paddle or trailerable boat on the waters where British raiders came ashore twice in 1814.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Colonial Beach, VA  |  Westmoreland County  |  22443  |  Virginia  |  United States of America

"O! say can you see..." Historical
War in the Chesapeake Historical
Explore a trail network Historical
George Washington Birthplace Site Historical
The Historic Area
Popes Creek Plantation
George Washington's Birthplace
Archeology at Popes Creek
The Memorial Area
Dairy

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.