A few weeks ago, I was invited to a press trip to St. Michaels as part of the Star Spangled 200‘s Chesapeake Campaign, a traveling festival celebrating the story of Maryland’s fight for the nation as the British roamed the Bay. Star Spangled 200 is a cultural and educational initiative to commemorate Maryland’s unique contributions to the defense and heritage including the pivotal clash that ensured American victory, an iconic flag, and our national anthem.
History buffs, academic, families and pretty much anyone interested in American history in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area, take a trip back in time along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail to hundreds of sites throughout Maryland that invite you to explore the story of the War of 1812 , visit the places that changed America and experience history as it comes back to life via re-enactments, educational activities, food and drink, and other interactive adventures. From the ramparts of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine to the site of the Battle of Bladensburt, the State of Maryland is dotted with the rich history of the war that forged our nation.
The days of our visit, August 10 – 12, marked the 200th anniversary of the Battle of St. Michaels bringing the War of 1812 to life. On August 10th, the waterfront and historic districts were transformed to a time 200 years ago, with costumed re-enactors strolling about town, boat-rides, cannon-firings (I have never seen my dog, Dexter as scared as I did when he heard the cannons, poor pup),horse-drawn carriage rides (Dex is also oddly afraid of horses), and lantern-lighting ceremony celebrating the legendary “Town that Fooled the British.”
The celebration continued on Sunday, August 11th when the Talbot County Watermen’s Association hosts the 4th Annual Watermen’s Appreciation Day and Crab Feast at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM). The event included a boat docking contest, live music, celebrity appearances, and more, while honoring the watermen who work the same waters once under siege by the British two hundred years ago.
We had such a lovely time, learning about the town, going on guided tours, sailing a skipjack, devouring local cuisines, and meeting the friendly residents of St. Michaels.
And as it is always the case, good company is essential to having fun. It was such a pleasure to meet Laura Powell (dailysuitcase.blogspot.com ), Lara DiPaola (traveling momma , chickennuggetsofwisdom.com , Lara’s lovely family, Cassandra Vanhooser (talbot county), and seeing Lauren Walbert SS200. Thank you for a fabulous trip down history of the Chesapeake.
For more information on the Star Spangled 200 visit starspangled200.org
