Benedict, Maryland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benedict, Maryland
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Landscape in Benedict
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 Benedict, Maryland
Location in Maryland
Benedict, Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Maryland |
| County | Charles |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.23 sq mi (0.60 km2) |
| • Land | 0.23 sq mi (0.60 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 232 |
| • Density | 995.71/sq mi (383.63/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
20612
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| FIPS code | 24-06550 |
| GNIS feature ID | 583152 |
Benedict is a small community in Charles County, Maryland, USA. It's located right on the Patuxent River in southern Maryland. It's called an "unincorporated community," which means it doesn't have its own city government like a big city. In 2020, about 232 people lived there.
Contents
History of Benedict
Benedict started as a small fishing village in the late 1600s. It was part of the Province of Maryland, which was a colony back then. The town was named Benedict-Leonardtown. This name honored Benedict Leonard Calvert, who was a governor of Maryland from 1700 to 1732. He served under his older brother, Charles Calvert, 5th Baron and Lord Baltimore.
Benedict and the War of 1812
Benedict played an important role in the War of 1812. On August 18, 1814, the British Army landed here. Their leader was General Robert Ross. The British had just fought some tough naval battles with American ships in the Patuxent River.
From Benedict, the British soldiers began their march. Their goal was to reach Washington, D.C., the capital city. They defeated a larger American force at the Battle of Bladensburg. After that, they famously burned down parts of Washington, D.C. Later, they tried to capture Baltimore but were not successful in the Battle of Baltimore.
Benedict During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Benedict was home to Camp Stanton. This camp was built in October 1863 for the Maryland 7th Regiment. Camp Stanton also became a very important place for African American soldiers.
On December 19, 1863, the Maryland 19th Regiment of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) was formed here. These soldiers were formerly enslaved people. The United States government bought their freedom so they could join the army. This unit showed great bravery in battles, including the Battle of the Wilderness. Some famous members included Reverend William Saunders Crowdy and his brother Daniel.
A school was also set up at Camp Stanton. It was there to educate the Black soldiers. Most of them had not received any education when they were enslaved. Samuel C. Armstrong helped run this school.
Benedict Today
Today, Benedict is a quiet community. Right next to the town is the Benedict Bridge. This bridge is about 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) long. It crosses the Patuxent River, connecting Charles County to Calvert County.
The town has a few seafood restaurants where you can enjoy fresh catches. There is also a Catholic church called St. Francis de Sales. This church is unique because it still celebrates mass in Latin.
See also
In Spanish: Benedict (Maryland) para niños
