North Point State Battlefield facts for kids

Quick facts for kids North Point State Battlefield
North Point State Battlefield Location in Maryland
Location	Dundalk, Maryland, United States
Area	9 acres (3.6 ha)
Designation	Maryland state battlefield
Established	2015
Administrator	Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Website	North Point State Battlefield

North Point State Battlefield is a special historical park in Dundalk, Maryland. It is located in Baltimore County, Maryland, in the United States. This park helps us remember an important battle from the War of 1812.

On September 12, 1814, American soldiers fought bravely here. These soldiers were part of the Maryland Militia. They were led by Brigadier General John Stricker. His troops fought against invading British forces. The battle took place along a fenceline that was once on the park's eastern side.

The park opened to the public in 2015. It covers about 9 acres (3.6 hectares) of land. Visitors can explore wetlands, walking trails, and wildflower meadows. It is managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. North Point State Battlefield is like a smaller part of the nearby North Point State Park.

What Was the War of 1812?

The War of 1812 was a big conflict. It happened between the United States and Great Britain. The war lasted from 1812 to 1815. It was fought over trade, sailors' rights, and land.

Great Britain was already fighting a war in Europe. They were fighting against France. This made things difficult for American ships. British ships would sometimes stop American ships. They would also force American sailors to join the British navy. This made Americans very angry.

The war also involved Native American tribes. They often allied with the British. This was because they wanted to protect their lands from American expansion. The war ended with no clear winner. But it helped the United States feel more like a strong, independent country.

The Battle of North Point

The Battle of North Point was a key event in the War of 1812. It happened on September 12, 1814. This battle was part of a larger British plan. The British wanted to attack and capture Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore was an important American port city.

The British forces had just burned parts of Washington, D.C.. They were feeling confident. They landed troops at North Point. Their goal was to march north and attack Baltimore by land. At the same time, the British navy planned to attack Fort McHenry by sea.

Who Fought at North Point?

The American forces at North Point were mostly militia. These were citizen-soldiers. They were not full-time soldiers. They were led by Brigadier General John Stricker. His men set up defenses. They waited for the British to arrive.

The British army was led by Major General Robert Ross. He was a very experienced commander. As the British advanced, they met the American militia. A fierce fight broke out. General Ross was killed early in the battle. This was a big blow to the British.

The American militia fought hard. They held their ground for a while. This slowed down the British advance. Even though the Americans eventually had to retreat, they bought valuable time. This time allowed Baltimore to strengthen its defenses.

Why Was the Battle Important?

The Battle of North Point was important for several reasons. First, it showed the bravery of the American militia. They stood up to a professional British army. Second, it delayed the British attack on Baltimore. This gave the city more time to prepare.

The delay was crucial. It allowed the defenders of Fort McHenry to get ready. When the British navy attacked Fort McHenry, the Americans were prepared. They successfully defended the fort. This inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."

So, the fight at North Point helped save Baltimore. It also contributed to the overall American victory in defending the city. The North Point State Battlefield helps us remember this brave stand.

Visiting the Battlefield Today

North Point State Battlefield is a great place to visit. It helps you learn about history. You can also enjoy nature. The park has special features that make it good for the environment.

The park includes beautiful wetlands. These areas are important for many plants and animals. There are also permeable parking and trail surfaces. This means water can soak through them. This helps to manage rainwater.

You can walk along boardwalks. These paths take you through different parts of the park. There are also wildflower meadows. These meadows are home to many colorful flowers. They attract butterflies and bees.

The park is a quiet place. It is perfect for a walk or a picnic. It helps visitors connect with history. It also lets them enjoy the natural beauty of Maryland.