North Point State Battlefield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids North Point State Battlefield |
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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 historic park in Dundalk, Maryland. It helps us remember a very important part of the Battle of North Point, which happened during the War of 1812. This park is owned by the public, meaning everyone can visit and learn about history.
The park covers about 9 acres and first opened its doors in 2015. It's a great place to explore nature with its wetlands, wildflower meadows, and boardwalks. It's also connected to North Point State Park and is looked after by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
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What is North Point State Battlefield?
North Point State Battlefield is a place where history comes alive. It marks a spot where brave soldiers fought during the War of 1812. This battle was a key moment in protecting the city of Baltimore from a British attack.
A Look Back: The War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain. It lasted from 1812 to 1815. One of the main reasons for the war was that Britain was stopping American ships and forcing American sailors to join the British navy.
The war also involved disagreements over trade and land. Many important battles took place on land and at sea. The Battle of North Point was one of these crucial moments.
The Battle of North Point: A Key Moment
On September 12, 1814, a big battle happened at North Point. A British army was trying to march towards Baltimore. To stop them, American forces, mostly made up of citizen soldiers called the Maryland Militia, stood their ground.
Brigadier General John Stricker led these American soldiers. They fought from behind a fence line that was along the eastern edge of what is now the park. Their brave fight helped slow down the British. This gave Baltimore more time to prepare its defenses.
The battle was a tough one, but the American resistance was strong. Even though the British eventually moved past North Point, the delay was very important. It helped save Baltimore from being captured.
Exploring the Battlefield Today
Today, North Point State Battlefield is a peaceful place. It offers visitors a chance to connect with history and nature. You can walk along trails and boardwalks that take you through different habitats.
The park has special parking and paths that let water soak into the ground. This helps protect the environment. You can see wetlands, where many different plants and animals live. There are also beautiful wildflower meadows. It's a great spot for learning about local wildlife and the important history of Maryland.