Joseph Sterett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Sterett
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| Born | 1773 Maryland |
| Died | 1821 Maryland |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaMaryland Militia |
| Rank | Lieutenant colonel (United States) |
| Commands held | 5th Maryland Regiment, Maryland Militia |
| Battles/wars | War of 1812 |
| Other work | planter |
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Sterett (1773-1821) was a military officer from Maryland. He served in the Maryland Militia during the War of 1812. He is known for leading the 5th Maryland Regiment during important battles like the Battle of Bladensberg and the Battle of North Point. His regiment was mostly made up of volunteers from the city of Baltimore.
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Early Life and Family
Joseph Sterett was born in 1773. He married Molly Harris, and they lived on a large farm called "Mount Deposit" which was about 260 acres. Joseph and Molly had eleven children.
War of 1812 Role
When the War of 1812 began between the United States and Great Britain, Joseph Sterett was in charge of the 5th Maryland Regiment. This regiment had about 500 men, mostly volunteers from Baltimore.
Battle of Bladensberg
The 5th Maryland Regiment first fought at the Battle of Bladensberg on August 24, 1814. They were part of the first line of defense. During the battle, some American militia units struggled and had to retreat. This left Sterett's 5th Regiment facing the British forces alone.
Sterett's men fought bravely, even pushing the British back at one point. However, the British managed to move around their sides, forcing the 5th Regiment to retreat. After this battle, British forces entered Washington, D.C. and burned many public buildings in the city.
Battle of North Point
Sterett's regiment also fought well on September 12 at the Battle of North Point. Even though the Americans lost this battle, it gave them valuable time to prepare the defenses of Baltimore. As the British advanced, some militia regiments broke formation. But the 5th Maryland Regiment and the 27th Regiment held their ground. They were able to retreat in an organized way, after causing many casualties to the British.
A soldier from the 5th Regiment, Corporal John McHenry, later wrote about the battle. He said that the 5th Regiment was praised more than other regiments. He felt proud that his company covered itself in glory. He also noted that if their regiment had not retreated when it did, they would have been surrounded.
After the Battle of North Point, Sterett went to his farm, which was nearby. He arranged for his family to move to a safer place. The British soldiers occupied his property, which was described as a "mansion of considerable size." They took many things, especially from the wine cellar.
After North Point, Sterett and his regiment took up a defensive position on Hampstead Hill. They waited for the British to attack. However, the British navy's attack on Baltimore failed to break the city's defenses. The British saw that the Americans had built strong defenses with breastworks (low walls for protection). So, they decided to withdraw without trying a land attack.
Death and Legacy
Joseph Sterett was seen by his fellow soldiers as a brave and dependable leader. He passed away in 1821. After his death, George H. Steuart, who had been a captain under Sterett, became the new lieutenant colonel of the 5th Regiment.
