Last updated: July 23, 2024
Place
Bladensburg Waterfront Park
Quick Facts
Location:
Prince George’s County, MD
Amenities
17 listed
Bicycle - Rack, Bicycle - Rental, Boat Ramp, Boat Rental, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Cellular Signal, Dock/Pier, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Parking - Boat Trailer, Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Playground, Recreational Field, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Wheelchair Accessible
Bladensburg Waterfront Park, located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, runs along the Anacostia River, one of the most historic waterways in America. The urban waterfront features a paved riverside walk, picnic pavilion, fishing pier, playgrounds and more. An interpretive pontoon boat offers tours for visitors to explore the ecology and history of the Anacostia. Other environmental and history programs are also offered on-site.
The park itself directly links to the hiking and biking trails of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System and the Anacostia River Trail. Boat ramps as well as kayak and canoe launches are also available on-site.
The British veteran force of 4,500 had marched for four days carrying loaded packs in near 100-degree heat. This included a contingent of Colonial Marines, formerly enslaved men from the Chesapeake region who had sought their freedom with the British. There were 6,000 Americans, including regulars, Chesapeake Flotilla crewmen, marines, and inexperienced militia.
At 1:00p.m. the British stormed the bridge.
The opposing troops clashed in three hours of intense fighting. Though superior in number, most of the American defensive forces were poorly trained, ill-equipped, and positioned so the lines could not support one another. They were no match for the seasoned British army.
President James Madison and several cabinet members were on the field of battle that day. Seeing the start of an American rout, they beat a hasty retreat to Washington, sending word ahead to warn others to save what possessions they could and flee. After a few hours of rest, the British then moved on to Washington, D.C.
The park itself directly links to the hiking and biking trails of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System and the Anacostia River Trail. Boat ramps as well as kayak and canoe launches are also available on-site.
History
War of 1812
A wooden bridge just upriver from the present-day park became the focal point on August 24, 1814, when American and British forces clashed in the Battle of Bladensburg. By the time the Americans realized that the British invasion force was heading to Washington, they had little time to prepare.The British veteran force of 4,500 had marched for four days carrying loaded packs in near 100-degree heat. This included a contingent of Colonial Marines, formerly enslaved men from the Chesapeake region who had sought their freedom with the British. There were 6,000 Americans, including regulars, Chesapeake Flotilla crewmen, marines, and inexperienced militia.
At 1:00p.m. the British stormed the bridge.
The opposing troops clashed in three hours of intense fighting. Though superior in number, most of the American defensive forces were poorly trained, ill-equipped, and positioned so the lines could not support one another. They were no match for the seasoned British army.
President James Madison and several cabinet members were on the field of battle that day. Seeing the start of an American rout, they beat a hasty retreat to Washington, sending word ahead to warn others to save what possessions they could and flee. After a few hours of rest, the British then moved on to Washington, D.C.