Thousands to gather to remember Battle of North Point

Many call the Battle of North Point, when the Maryland militia faced thousands of invading British soldiers, the forgotten battle in a nearly forgotten war.

But Sunday, nearly 200 years after that pivotal encounter in the War of 1812, thousands will remember as they gather at Fort Howard Park in Edgemere. Not far from the ground where Marylanders fought British troops, they will observe the annual Defenders Day with re-enactments, living history displays, patriotic anthems, even commemorative stamps. Organizers will post 24 early American flags — with 15 stars — to honor the 24 Americans who died protecting their homeland.

"I served in Korea and always thought that was the forgotten war," said Harry Young, who has helped to organize the observance since 2004. "But the Battle of North Point wasn't even named that until a year after the war."

The North Point skirmish is often overshadowed by the British naval bombardment of Fort McHenry, which followed the land battle and inspired our national anthem, said Jay Doyle, who works for the Baltimore County Department of Planning and has assisted volunteers with the event.

"The battle took place three miles from where we will be on Sunday," he said. "It is a relatively obscure but fascinating story so unique to Baltimore County. We actually had a land invasion, a foreign force that marched up our road and met our militia."

Young, 82, and several volunteers at the Dundalk Patapsco Neck Historical Society are determined to keep the North Point events of Sept. 12, 1814, in the forefront, especially as the 200th anniversary draws near.

"The re-enactments always draw crowds," Young said. "Our mission is teach the history of this area. The kids won't come for a history lesson, but they start asking at 9 a.m. when the battle will start."

This observance comes with authentic cannon fire from three vintage weapons. Visitors should expect noise and smoke, Young said. Since the commemoration was revived in 2004, crowds have grown from about 1,400 the first year to more than 6,000 last year.

Doyle will bring reproductions of maps and drawings of the North Point corridor as it looked in 1812 and give an update on the long-planned national historic trail that will highlight sites figuring in the battle.

Young works to make the day an opportunity for families to delve into local history. Children can make handkerchief dolls and wooden boats and play centuries-old games such as rolling hoops. Visitors can meander through the military encampments, watch craft demonstrations and historical vignettes and see the battle re-enacted.

County Executive Kevin Kamenetz will arrive in the uniform of an American general of the period, complete with sword and regalia.

"With all those layers, I might really learn how hot the weather really is," he said.

Kamenetz said he has written a rousing address to deliver to the troops as they prepare for battle. He declined to offer any preview of his remarks, saying he could not reveal military strategy. On a more serious note, he noted what a boon such celebrations are.

"This is an excellent event that educates us about our own history," Kamenetz said. "All people who want to know about this battle will be right there."

Young said volunteers are already planning the 2014 celebration for the bicentennial of the Battle of North Point. He hopes visitors enjoy the day and return for future celebrations.

"I know all kinds of things about this battle and want to share all that with the people who come here," he said.

mary.gail.hare@baltsun.com



Defenders Day



Battery Harris, Fort Howard Park

9500 North Point Road, Edgemere

Gates open at 9 a.m.; final ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m. Free.

Information: 410-284-2331 or