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Baltimore County and the War of 1812

While much of the action in Baltimore County occurred on the North Point peninsula, there are links between Towson and Perry Hall to the War of 1812

More than a million people are expected to enjoy the Sailabration events that commemorate Baltimore's role in the War of 1812.   Baltimore County provided financial support for Sailabration, and I thank those officials and volunteers who helped staff events over the past week.  Our family joined the festivities at Martin State Airport and Downtown Baltimore, and it was a wonderful weekend.

Baltimore County, of course, was an important part of the War of 1812.   The Battle of North Point, which occurred in September of 1814, delayed the British advance on Baltimore and bought valuable time for those defending the city.  Landmarks such as Fort Howard and Todd's Inheritance are part of the heritage of southeastern Baltimore County.  

In the Fifth District that I represent, some of our communities have important links to the War of 1812.   The site that is now Camp Chapel United Methodist Church was the center of the lightly-settled Perry Hall area in 1814.   On September 12, 1814, Reverend Henry Smith was preaching at the Camp Meeting Chapel, and he recorded hearing the sounds of the Battle of North Point: "The bombs were heard at Perry Hall, twelve miles from Baltimore, nearly all the night.  It was an awful night.  Fears were entertained that the enemy would take Baltmore, and overrun and plunder that part of the country...I rode down to Baltimore the day after the British had returned to their ships; and it was in the mouth of almost everyone, saint and sinner.  'The prayers of the good people of Baltimore saved the city.'"

Back then, Joppa Road was an abandoned Susquehannock Indian trail, and at the other end from Perry Hall was Towsontown.   Ezekial Towson started the Towson Hotel at York and Joppa Roads in 1768 to serve farmers who brought their produce and livestock to the port of Baltimore.  His brother Nathaniel Towson had a distinguished career in the U.S. Army, commanding artillery at the Battles of Fort George, Stoney Creek, Queenston Heights, Chippawa, Lundy's Lane, and Fort Erie.

I believe we should recognize the contributions of Nathaniel Towson to our local history.   I have suggested to Towson's civic and business organizations that we dedicate one of our structures in his honor, perhaps the bridge at Dulaney Valley Road leading into Downtown Towson.  What do you think?

Buzz Beeler June 18, 2012 at 04:22 pm
What flag are we flying Steve? Why do you make such foolish comments when all it does is showcase your lack of knowledge.
If we lost the war then how come were are still called the United States of America and are still a democracy? Why do you quote the word "win"? (sic) I did not use that word in my comment so therefore it's not a quote. Your question mark goes inside the quotation marks if it is not a quote attributed to me. There are many conflicts this nation has been involved in. Not all have turned out well. If we lost the war we would be driving on the left side of the road. School, at least I made it through the 5th grade.
Steve June 18, 2012 at 04:27 pm
We lost the cities of Buffalo and Detroit amongst others and they burned down Washington DC. They had their hands tied in the Napoleanic Wars.
"Reading and Comprehension skills are required at the library" but they are not on the internet ??? Don't they both deal with the printed word??
Buzz Beeler June 18, 2012 at 05:07 pm
There are more printed words on the computer than in books. More words to research.
I'll let it slide cause I know you like the pictures. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_of_1812
Steve June 18, 2012 at 05:15 pm
"There are more printed words on the computer than in books....." Do you have a link for that or did you just make it up?
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2012/06/the-warts-of-1812-the-unglamorous-truth-about-a-hyped-up-war/258614/
Buzz Beeler June 18, 2012 at 05:24 pm
From your article: "While it's impossible to look at America today and see many recognizable kernels of our 19th century former self, the two eras have some important features in common. Both are periods of political polarization, sectionalism, and economic uncertainty -- all looming like a shadow over our sense of national purpose. But while the War of 1812 did succeed in boosting the country's self-esteem and enabled its drive to expand westward, today's America has yet to find its new frontier."
As I said the U.S. has been involved in numerous campaigns that did not go well. If the South had won the civil war that would have had a significant on our history, but they did not. We'll continue this latter, I'm going to the gym.
Rob Kennedy June 18, 2012 at 05:47 pm
War of 1812: Canadians consider it a victory for repelling American expansionism. Americans consider it a victory for repelling a British invasion. The British don't consider it at all.
Steve June 18, 2012 at 06:29 pm
Thats the way it is. It certainly can't be construed as a "Win". From Beeker's own link:
" Scholars hold that the war constituted a British victory and an American defeat. They argue that the British achieved their military objectives in 1812 (by stopping the repeated American invasions of Canada) and that Canada retained her independence of the United States. By contrast, they say, the Americans suffered a defeat when their armies failed to achieve their war goal of seizing part or all of Canada. Additionally, they argue the US lost as it failed to stop impressment, which the British refused to repeal until the end of the Napoleonic Wars, and the US actions had no effect on the orders in council, which were rescinded before the war started."
Glen June 18, 2012 at 06:34 pm
David,
Lest this gets lost in the dialogue above, I think you have a great idea and encourage you to pursue it.
JDStuts June 18, 2012 at 06:46 pm
American politicians offered a false pretext for invading another country then whipped the country into a patriotic fervor to justify their lies.
The end result - the senseless slaughter of American troops. I'd suggest instead of naming a bridge we hoist the Iraq flag in Patriots Plaza since this country suffers from such historical illiteracy we are unable to learn from our past.
Buzz Beeler June 18, 2012 at 08:21 pm
4:20 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
I have not and never stated support for any military intervention other than WW II. Remember we were an isolationist nation prior to that. Had we been more astute the outcome could have been different. Remember the Alamo?
Buzz Beeler June 18, 2012 at 08:34 pm
Rob, good point.
Steve until you learn to spell correctly I will not respond to your remarks. You're slipping into your old ways.
Steve June 18, 2012 at 08:44 pm
What in the Hell are you talking about? Who are you to comment on anybody's spelling?
I was just correcting the fact that you claimed the US "won" the War of 1812 which was inaccurate.
Buzz Beeler June 18, 2012 at 09:03 pm
"From Beeker's own link", if it was a typo than I apologize because I make them to. The L is next to the K so it could be an honest mistake. I just wanted to be sure.
Civilized, adult discourse.
Cynthia Eisenrauch June 18, 2012 at 09:44 pm
While Steve and Buzz go on!
I would like to say BRAVO David GREAT Idea ! Can I help? Cyndy from Ridgeleigh
Arlow June 19, 2012 at 02:06 am
Buzz, Steve is right. To paraphrase your comment, "What flag is flying over Canada?". The Canadian flag, right? Well, if we'd won the war, they'd be flying the US flag. Because that's what it was all about, conquering Canada, because most of our other beefs had been settled by diplomacy before the war was over. BTW, if England wasn't busy with France at the time, and had been able to devote their full resources on us, that war, which ended in at most a draw for us, could have ended much worse. I am a History teacher, and can assure you that war was a big mistake.
Buzz Beeler June 19, 2012 at 02:48 am
Arolow, your comment regarding this quote is not history but conjecture; "could have ended much worse." History is facts. According to the news this evening they called it a draw as to the allied relationship between our nations.
Steve makes the same assumptions (not recorded as history) as you do. We have won and lost numerous conflicts that have not resulted in territorial land grabs as in WW II. Another conjecture quote: "BTW, if England wasn't busy with France at the time, and had been able to devote their full resources on us, ..." As I said, history is based on facts including the Canadian flag flying over their country and the Stars and Stripes flying over the U.S.
Steve June 19, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Like I said before Buzz, go to the library and research before you make a fool out of yourself.
Buzz Beeler June 19, 2012 at 01:19 pm
The cons of the library:
Resources can be checked out by other patrons and, therefore, may not always be available. A library's publications cannot provide up-to-the-minute news and information the way Web sites can. Closes after hours. Did these come from a library Steve? There your links. Or should we refer them to them as link-a-braies. http://www.thestar.com/opinion/article/245223--multiculturalism-is-a-success-story-so-stop-whining I could list more and just one is on the topic at hand, one that you chose. http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2012/06/the-warts-of-1812-the-unglamorous-truth-about-a-hyped-up-war/258614/ What library did that come from? You change names and photos faster than I can type. I'm always two steps ahead of you. By the way where is your history teacher buddy? I don't here any rebuttal.
Steve June 19, 2012 at 02:11 pm
What does this have to do with the topic ?
You are not two steps ahead of anybody. You've got mental issues.
Buzz Beeler June 19, 2012 at 02:39 pm
"Like I said before Buzz, go to the library and research before you make a fool out of yourself." This is your quote. You do use the word library as does you history teacher buddy.
I responded with facts related to the library and how you obtain your information and that sir is part of these comments. If you're not doctor then you look rather foolish diagnosing me. You brought this whole issue of the library up, not me remember.
Steve June 19, 2012 at 02:53 pm
9 posts ago you promised not to respond to my remarks.
Can you please keep your promise?
Buzz Beeler June 19, 2012 at 03:26 pm
I don't get you. You follow me around like lost soul and respond to everything I write, and when I respond to in return, you get annoyed.
The comment I made was in response to you spelling my name wrong a coupe of times. If you were doing it on purpose I would not respond. I looked at it (Beeker) and saw the L was close to the K and thought it might be typo. I you don't want me to respond than don't answer my comments. It's as simple as that.
Bart June 19, 2012 at 04:13 pm
Will somebody please pay the ransom and rescue this thread from these two?
Bart June 20, 2012 at 01:08 am
Wow, Buzz, I must have hit a nerve.
Buzz Beeler June 20, 2012 at 02:29 am
Isn't that what you meant too do. Rescue the thread from me. That's two comments that are off topic you've made. Do I need to rescue the thread from you?
If people want to single me out as a target then I am well capable of responding in an articulated response. I made a comment in the beginning of this thread and became a target. Would you rather that Councilman Marks write a blog with no comments. Have we heard form Ms. Eisenrauch since her one and only comment on this site? No! She wants to know if she can help? She has offered no other suggestions, other than her fist comment on this entire site period. She wants to bring me into it than that is her choice, just as it is mine to respond. This site is capable of a ton of comments on this or any other topic. I think it's called freedom of speech. I support this site. I write and comment on it. I support it on the Sun Talk Board. All is fare in love and war, remember.
Steve June 20, 2012 at 02:56 am
"form" "fist" "fare" .....and this Jamoke complains about my spelling??
Arlow June 20, 2012 at 03:10 am
Buzz, I've often sympathized with you while many, many, many others belittle you, but in this case, you're being completely dense for no good reason. Buzz, it isn't conjecture about England being busy with France at the time. In fact, if you read today's Sun you will see where the British Ambassador told the press that "We Brits don't understand why you declared war on us and not Napoleon", showing they were quite busy with France and would have welcomed our support. Well the FACT is James Madison, like Tom Jefferson, was a Francophile, and would not support the British. It also isn't conjecture that the US was looking to make Canada part of the US. It's a fact.
After seeing you fumble around with this Buzz, and showing your total ignorance of the war (what I presented were facts- I have several books on that conflict that would substantiate every word I have said), I could gladly recommend to you some of the following, which I have read- including Osprey's book on the War of 1812, The War of 1812 by John Grant, and one of the most comprehensive accounts by Henry Adams). Actually picking up a book and reading it, and assuming you can comprehend it, would show the error of your "statements". In the future, I may have to more closely examine your postings for more such bombastic blunders. Steve, I hate to say it, but Buzz is a full blown idiot. Course I remember him from his days when he walked through Golden Ring Mall dressed as Dirty Harry...
Arlow June 20, 2012 at 03:13 am
Steve, I have been completely amazed at the naivete shown by Mr. Buzz. Sometimes you just can't fix "stoopid", so I guess it's best to ignore the troll. Even if we took him to the library, and showed him his errors, he still would not admit he was wrong. Such a shame.
Buzz Beeler June 20, 2012 at 04:41 am
History teacher Arlow what is "stoopid", (sic)? Do you mean - stupid?
Steve they are called typos. Yes I make them, we all do just like your history teacher bud Arlow. You bud just did a great job of ignoring the troll. Your bud Steve did not go to the library for his research, he used a link.
Buzz Beeler June 20, 2012 at 04:42 am
Hey Bart, what all of sudden you have become an editor with Patch or you just want to seem important. Your comments are way out of line.
Let me ask you a couple of questions. Your comment you just posted, what did it have to do with the topic at hand? Nothing, so why post it. That is the pot calling the kettle black. Number two, how many times have you commented on this site? Do you think I'm steeling these little blocks from others? Ever been on the Sun Talk Board? Your experience seems to be limited like that of Ms. Cynthia Eisenrauch. She too added her one cent, the only comment she has ever made on this site. Do you think people like that are good for Patch - Not! You just stirred up the pot again. I made one comment at the beginning and get jumped on by a host of people who want to argue history, which is good, not bad. Why don't we follow your rule and from now on when people want to comment we check with you first. Or after Marks or anyone else blogs the first comment is "that's real neat," and we'll end it right there. Ever bother to look at your comments on the marriage issue or other controversial topics. Sometime you can post an insightful comment and others you miss the buss. Trust me, there are enough of them here each person can have their own.

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