Bladensburg Encampment
2011 Riversdale Encampment
17th ANNUAL BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG ENCAMPMENT AT RIVERSDALE
August 11, 2012
Noon – 4pm
4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park MD
FREE
In August 1814, a disheartened Rosalie Calvert, the mistress of Riversdale, wrote to her father, “…we have been in a state of continual alarm…I am sure you have heard the news of the battle of Bladensburg where the English defeated the American troops with [President James] Madison ‘not at their head, but at their rear.’” Flush with success, the British then burned Washington. Events turned in Baltimore a few weeks later and the Star-Spangled Banner was born.
Join the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration at Riversdale’s annual Battle of Bladensburg Encampment on Saturday, August 11, from noon-4pm. This FREE family-friendly event features American and British War of 1812 troops, including Ship’s Company, Baltimore United Volunteers, and Aisquith’s Sharp Shooters. Kids, you might even get recruited for the American militia! Check out cavalry and horseback demonstrations with the Maryland Light Dragoons, too! Take a peek into camp life with demos, gunnery drills, cannon firings, and kitchen and camp displays throughout the afternoon.
We’ve got children’s activities at the ready, too! This year, Riversdale is pleased to feature Lisa and Robert Papp, author and illustrator of the children’s book, The Town That Fooled the British, an 1812 story of the town of St. Michael’s based on true events! Kids can enjoy story time with the author, arts and crafts, and even try on period dresses and uniforms. Girl and Boy Scouts, call for details on how you can earn a badge or patch!
All events on the grounds are FREE. House tours are on a first come, first serve basis and are sponsored by Maryland Milestones/ATHA Inc. The Riversdale Kitchen Guild will sell historically inspired refreshments. For more information, call 301-864-0420 or email Riversdale@pgparks.com. TTY 301-699-2544.
