The War of 1812 - The Battle at Baltimore

Battle of Baltimore, (12–14 September 1814), land and sea battle of the War of 1812 that spurred the writing of the “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the U.S. national anthem. Following their occupation and burning of Washington, D.C., in August 1814, the British-led by Vice Admiral Alexander Cochrane, Rear Admiral George Cockburn, and Major General Robert Ross-decided to sail up the Chesapeake Bay and strike the port of Baltimore, America’s third-largest city and a center of ship-building. They expected the city and harbour to fall quickly, as Washington had done.

Baltimore’s citizens, however, had worked on the city’s defenses for more than a year. Fort McHenry, south of the harbour entrance, was the city’s main guardian, commanded by Major George Armistead with a regular garrison. Militia manned other earthworks. The harbour entrance was blocked by a large chain and scuttled hulks. Against these defenses the British pursued a land-sea pincer maneuver, attacking from land while bombing the fort from the harbour.

In the early morning of September 12, some 4,700 troops under Ross landed at North Point, north of the harbour. Opposing them was Brigadier General John Stricker’s brigade of 3,200 militia. In late afternoon, Ross’s infantry encountered Stricker’s skirmishers. Ross came forward and was killed. Taking command, Colonel Arthur Brooke attacked, turned the American left, and assaulted the center. After a sharp but short battle, Stricker retreated to a second defensive line, and with nightfall the British stopped and Stricker withdrew into the city.