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LODESTONE GOLF CLUB RATES FOR 2013

Steve Irwin, Betsy Holcomb, Hale Irwin and Bob Holcomb

LODESTONE GOLF CLUB RATES FOR 2013

LODESTONE GOLF CLUB RATES FOR 2013.

Call Wisp Resort @ 301-387-4000 with any additional questions.

Here are the rates I have been given by Lodestone representatives …

—Wednesday is $75

— Monday,Tuesday, Thursday is $85

—Friday Saturday and Sunday is $95.

—Weekends after 3pm is $75.

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LODESTONE GOLF CLUB RATES FOR 2013

26th McHenry Highland Festival-June-1st 2013

 

 26th McHenry Highland Festival-June-1st 2013

26th McHenry Highland Festival-June-1st 2013. Ok, let’s try to gain a basic understanding of what the 26th McHenry Highland Festival is all about. Let me just run through some events and activities and see if this annual event peaks your interest.

26th McHenry Highland Festival-June-1st 2013

Celtic Climbing Walls, Clans and Geneaology, Sheep and Highland cattle, Harpist Lynne Barnes, Garrett Highlands Pipes and Drums, Pipes and drums of St. Andrews, Irish Dance,  Parade of Clans, Clan Chieftain Fiddler Bonnie Rideout, Shanty Irish, Sword Players, Scottish County Dancing and many more events to take you to a faraway ancient world.

26th McHenry Highland Festival-June-1st 2013

I have attended over the last few years and can tell you this is a birds-eye look back in time to roots some of us share. Regardless, we all share in our histories, some fascinating music diversity, cultural wonders and competitive games that have molded who we all are. I watched last year what seemed to be “he-men” picking up a telephone sized tree and throwing it end over end a heck of a long way. I got a hernia just watching.  Also, another group of lads picked up this heavy iron weight with a big round handle and heaved it vertically over a pole vault high bar. Livestock, Kilts, Clans, and that soothing and influencing Celtic music make this event a must for you and your family. If you are here at the lake this weekend, follow the pied piper Celtic bagpipe aura that will surround the lake and pull you toward the drums that sounded hundreds of years ago.

929 DEEP CREEK DR, MC HENRY, MD 21541

 

 929 DEEP CREEK DR, MC HENRY, MD 21541

929 DEEP CREEK DR, MC HENRY, MD 21541. BUILD YOUR OWN LAKEFRONT HOME ON THIS PREMIUM DEEP CREEK LAKE HOME-SITE!!! PUT THE FEAR OF NEW CONSTRUCTION BEHIND YOU AND MOVE FORWARDING BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME EXACTLY HOW YOU WANT IT!

929 DEEP CREEK DR, MC HENRY, MD 21541

CALL BETSY HOLCOMB @ 301-616-5022 AND LET HER HELP YOU GET A BUILDING QUOTE. STANDARD ROUGH COST IS ABOUT $150.00 PER SQUARE FOOT.

Beautiful 80′ lakefront lot,with a multitude of possibilities…single family, multi-family, some commercial uses. Town center zoning, Type A Dock permit, impressive lake views, and less than 5 minutes to Wisp Resort are just a few of the features of this prime building site. Purchase neighboring property #915 for even more options.

929 DEEP CREEK DR, MC HENRY, MD 21541

929 DEEP CREEK DR, MC HENRY, MD 21541

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Highlands Festival-Real Estate News

 

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Highlands Festival-Real Estate News

 Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Highlands Festival-Real Estate News. Weather check…PERFECT! I got up at 6:00am and went for a quick paddleboard run before work and can tell you that we are having an amazing day. The lake was mirror glassy with winds non-existent and the temperature is perfect. Check out the view! Get up here soon so you can enjoy these special, early summer days.

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Highlands Festival-Real Estate News

 

A very special McHenry Highland Festival this coming weekend.  After 20 years, this will be internationally acclaimed Scottish fiddler Bonnie Rideout’s last year performing at the Festival.  Bonnie never ceases to amaze us and music just doesn’t need to be better than this.  Don’t miss it!  There will be two performances on Saturday, June 1st at 11am and again at 1:45pm.  Also, they will have plenty of crafts and food vendors to make for a full day of family enjoyment.  A YouTube video with a sampling of Bonnie’s beautiful music.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P129kV3ImN0

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Highlands Festival-Real Estate News

 

The link below is the full schedule of the Festival at the Fairgrounds in McHenry for Saturday, June 1st.

http://www.highlandfest.info/events.html

 

On a different subject, we, along with most of the country, had interesting weather for the Memorial Day weekend.  Although quite a cold weekend, temperatures are transforming to perfect today.  I still love this time of year. Our Spiker Team colleague and friend, Kathy Johnson, was able to capture this “secret” garden in Garrett County a couple days ago. What a gorgeous photo of her Zen garden!

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Highlands Festival-Real Estate News

 

 This week’s featured listing is a very clean lakefront home, centrally located with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a Type-A dock. This home boasts an open floor plan, stone wood burning fireplace, two family rooms, wood floors, hot tub, two waterside decks and wonderful lake views!! What else could you want? Oh, you want to be close to restaurants, shops and Wisp Ski Resort? DONE! Check it out-http://vt.realbiz360.com/MLS-1304262.html

 

Here what’s gone under contract in the last 30 day-http://mrislistings.mris.com/DE.asp?ID=52640329952.

 

If you’d like for us to do a customized search for you using our MLS database with every real estate company’s listings just shoot us an email.

Enjoy life on the lake!!!

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Summer Activities

 

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Summer Activities. It gets easier to be revved up for summer when you start seeing the boats filtering on the lake. Yesterday there was a mix of recreational tubers, fisherman, and marinas tuning up boats for their clients. Weather has warmed up to summer temps this week and you can tell folks are starting to gather into the lake. Last night I did my evening paddleboard between 7:30pm-9:00pm and saw some late evening fisherman and a few boats screaming by trying to ensure that their boats are running smoothly. I cruised past a family of at least a dozen who were throwing football and roasting smores around a fire pit near the water’s edge. I love summer!

 

Dusk paddle

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Summer Activities

 

 In case you missed the USA Canoe/Kayak Whitewater Slalom Team Trails this weekend, here is a photo gallery on our Deep Creek Lake, Maryland Facebook page of some of the action. Remember this will determine who will be competing in next year’s ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships of 2014 between September 16-21, 2014. We had three Olympic medalists here competing this weekend. Look ahead in your calendar if you plan on visiting because this is no small event. Word is that lots of people will have to stay out of town because all rentals will be booked. This event will be the biggest event ever hosted here at the lake. The eyes of the world and Canoe/Kayak community will be focused on Deep Creek Lake for a week. Plan far in advance so you don’t miss it!

 

Intense competition

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Summer Activities

 

If you have not visited ASCI or tried to go whitewater rafting I highly recommend it! There are only a few re-circulating whitewater courses in the world and we are lucky to have the best here in our back yard.

 

Rafting trip at ASCI with my son and his girlfriend

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Summer Activities

 

This weekend we have the Tom Wallisch Rail Jam at Wisp Resort on Saturday, May 25th. Registration is between 6pm-7pm with the competition starting soon thereafter. They say there is plenty of snow to hold this event and I hope you have a chance to go check out some of the skiers and snowboarders competing. The Tom Batcherlor Band will provide the music.

 

Not sure what direction to go this weekend? A few suggestions…

 

Go zip lining, ride the mountain coaster, or go for a dune buggy ride at Wisp Resort. Go hiking or rock climbing at Fork Run Recreational Area. Go get some hot wings and a crabcake from The Black Bear.  Go visit the magnificent waterfalls at Swallow Falls State Park.  Go rent a boat, canoe, kayak or paddleboard from Deep Creek Marina.  Go try out Deep Creek Lake’s newest restaurant Aces Run.  Go enjoy an eco tour with the family.  Go fishing on DCL or the Yough River.  Go play golf at the well received Lodestone Golf ClubBuy a home here at the lake!!!  Call Betsy Holcomb 301-616-5022 http://deepcreeklakeproperty.com/meet-betsy/

 

Featured listing of the week: Check out this homesite on hole #13 at Lodestone. Lake and golf views! http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-440824.html

 

Sold Property in the last 30 days- http://mrislistings.mris.com/DE.asp?ID=52524358330

 

Have a safe & memorable family weekend!!

Deep Creek’s Got Talent-HART Animal Rescue Team

Deep Creek's Got Talent-HART Animal Rescue Team

Deep Creek's Got Talent-HART Animal Rescue Team

 

Deep Creek’s Got Talent-HART Animal Rescue Team. Deep Creek’s Got Talent-HART Animal Rescue Team. We are so excited to be awarded as the beneficiary of “Deep Creek’s Got Talent!”

This major fundraising event takes place at the Honi-Honi on Saturday, June 15 and has raised more than $68,000 over the past five years to benefit local charities and organizations.

 

We are currently seeking your help as a volunteer at the event.

There are 2 shifts:  1-5 pm and 5-9 pm and include the following jobs:

Area                                              1-5 PM         5-9 PM 

Contestant Registration

2

Prizes & Giveaways (Raffle)

4

3

Audience Voting

6

T-Shirt Sales

2

2

Balloon Race Fundraiser

4

4

Excel Spreadsheet (contestant tallies)

1

HART Booth

2

2

 

 

Please check your calendars and let me know your availability at your earliest convenience. Volunteering at “Deep Creek’s Got Talent!” is not only a lot of fun, it also helps HART continue our mission of helping homeless and abused animals in Garrett County and the surrounding areas.

 

Thank you for your support!

 

 

PS – Please mark your calendars for Sept. 6-8. We’ll be asking for your help at the The Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival!

 

 

paula yudelevitexecutive director

paula@hartforanimals.org
www hartforanimals.org
telephone 301.387.7729 (SPAY)
direct 301.616.8502

P.O. Box 623
mchenry. MD 21541-0623

Hurricane Sandy Damage Update-Swallow Falls State Park

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes favorite Realtor

 

Hurricane Sandy Damage Update-Swallow Falls State Park

 

Hurricane Sandy Damage Update-Swallow Falls State Park

 Hurricane Sandy Damage Update-Swallow Falls State Park .I took my sister and her husband down to Swallow Falls this weekend to show them the amazing beauty of this Garrett County gem. One thing that stood out was the destruction left behind following Hurricane Sandy and the amount of trees down was staggering to say the least. The county has done a fantastic job clearing the trails so you can access the hike from Muddy Creek Falls – Swallow Falls – Tolliver Falls and back to the parking lot. Some trees that are down are flipped over like rows of dominoes while other huge ancient Hemlock trees are literally twisted and ripped in half from the brute force of the wind and heavy snow. I spoke with park officials today who have informed me that 50% of the trees were lost due to Sandy, which is hard to believe until you hike the park where it becomes much more apparent. Crews have logged in a total of 3000 hours cleaning up the park and trails to ensure safe hiking but due to sensitive management areas they will leave downed trees where they lay. They will of course use whatever resources necessary to keep the trails clear.

Hurricane Sandy Damage Update-Swallow Falls State Park

Hurricane Sandy Damage Update-Swallow Falls State Park

 

One area that I feel benefited from this colossal storm was the overlook to Swallow Falls. You know the one…the one about a little over half way from Muddy Creek going upstream that you used to have to peer through thick underbrush to see the falls. No More. It is a wide open view slot now great for a relaxing break or photographs.

Hurricane Sandy Damage Update-Swallow Falls State Park

 Hurricane Sandy Damage Update-Swallow Falls State Park

Don’t fret, you can still enjoy all that this popular park has to offer but there has been a slight change in scenery over the winter that will become familiar as time heals our memories.

Aces Run Restaurant-Grand Opening

Aces Run Restaurant and Pub at Will O’ the Wisp

Last night marked both the end and beginning of an era. The well-known and respected Will O’ the Wisp restaurant closed last fall and there was a lot of questions and concerns about just exactly what was going to happen to this local favorite restaurant that hosted for many years the famous pasta night. I kid you not when I say famous, the place was elbow to elbow on Wednesday. I think the dated décor and aura of the place just screamed renovation and change to make it the success it was in the hay day of its creation.

Aces Run Restaurant and Pub at Will O’ the Wisp

 

Never fear….new owner Brenda McDonnell (you may have visited her other successful businesses Brenda’s Pizza & Trader’s Coffee House) has taken the helm of the ship and rumors over the last few months are that great things were happening behind the walls on the renovation. Last night she welcomed friends from the community to come out and see with our own eyes, and of course our taste pallets, the new direction for this familiar Deep Creek Lake space.

Aces Run Restaurant and Pub at Will O’ the Wisp

 

The first thing I noticed was the organization and courtesy of the staff who made sure your experience started off right. It was standing room only in the bar/lounge and in the dining area.  New bench seats and upscale lighting set the backdrop for the dining room and being a wood worker/hobbyist I was blown away by the solid black walnut tables.  Overall, the place has a very open and modern floor plan with that new restaurant  feel. My understanding is they completely gutted the kitchen to bring in new gear to help bring on this fresh new menu. I can tell you that I loved everything offered on this new delicious menu. I sampled an angus beef slider cooked to medium rare perfection with hints of pickle, chopped onions and cheese that was really fantastic. The spicy pork bites were popper-sized pork that had a semi-spicy tangy glaze over them that was perfect for someone like me that doesn’t like too much heat.  The pork loin chops were cooked medium’ish with plenty on succulent moisture  left to mesh with the apple sauce.  My favorite was the shepherds pie, which is a bone-sticking comfort food that has ground beef, mashed potatoes, carrots, and some other secret ingredients. My favorite dessert was the banana nutella bread pudding, but I also enjoyed the chocolate flourless cake and the German apple cake.

Betsy S. Holcomb & Brenda McDonnell

 

Remember on your next visit to the lake to pop-in to the new Aces Run Restaurant and Pub at Will O’ the Wisp which is destined to become yet another gem here at the lake!

20160 Garrett Highway,Oakland, Maryland 21550

 

Phone (301) 387-6688
Email Regis@acesrun.com
Website http://www.acesrun.com

2013 USA Canoe/Kayak Whitewater Slalom Team Trials May 2013

2013 USA Canoe/Kayak Whitewater Slalom Team Trials May 2013

 

2013 USA Canoe/Kayak Whitewater Slalom Team Trials May 2013. Before work, I had a chance to run down to the Youghiogheny River with hopes of catching some first class kayakers to photograph. Then it dawned on me…the 2013 USA Canoe/Kayak Whitewater Slalom Team Trials are being held this weekend so surely I will see some world class athletes bombing Swallow Falls. As luck would have it, there was a steady flow of action on the river that I attributed to the big weekend.

 

AdventureSportsCenter International (ASCI) in Deep Creek Lake, MD is hosting the 2013 USA Canoe/Kayak Slalom Team Trials and Deep Creek Open on May 17-19, 2013. For those familiar, ASCI is a manmade re-circulating white course that is atop WispMountain. There will be athletes from all over this great country competing alongside 3 Olympic gold medalists. Not too shabby folks! This is no pitch and putt event. This is the big time with results directly deciding the 2013 National Slalom Team.

2013 USA Canoe/Kayak Whitewater Slalom Team Trials May 2013

The event is free with stadium views of the action, drinks hot dogs, beer and music.  What else can you wish for? Bring the kiddos to meet the athletes and get a few autographs!

2013 USA Canoe/Kayak Whitewater Slalom Team Trials May 2013

 

Check out the details from their >>>website<<<!

Maryland in the War of 1812-A Living Historical Event

Maryland in the War of 1812-A Living Historical Event

 

Maryland in the War of 1812-A Living Historical Eventtay

The Short History of the War of 1812 in Maryland 

John Miller

Maryland in the War of 1812-A Living Historical Event.The most forgotten war in America’s history is the War of 1812. Overshadowed by the Napoleon’s War in Europe, the War of 1812 today is a forgotten war. Although the major campaigns were fought in the Great Lakes and Canadian region, a campaign was launched by the British that focused on our nations newly formed capital city of Washington during the late summer of 1814.

On June 18, 1812 the United States declared war on Great Britain. The reasons for a war was because the Royal Navy was boarding US ships and taking back English escaped sailors. William Cobbet an Englishman said “They seemed to be wanting just such a war as this to complete the separation of England from America; and make the latter feel that she had no safety against the former but in the arms of her free citizens.” During the beginning of the War of 1812, the American territory was penetrated at three different points, by way of Lake Champlain, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Mississippi.

The British began an offensive campaign of capturing Washington in the summer of 1814. With much speculation of invasion, the Americans began construction of earth works on Fort McHenry by winter of 1813 to initiated preparations for a defensive campaign. The final year of the War of 1812 was distinguished by a greater invasive vigorous British force than what had earlier distinguished them.

As preparations on the Chesapeake were carried out, Captains Michael Sluss, Jacob Row, and Privates Michael C. Adelsberger, James Storm, Felix B. Taney, Jesse Nusseur, John Wetzel, and Peter Remby were all men from the Emmitsburg area, who joined the Maryland Militia to help defend Baltimore and Washington from the threat of a possible British infringement. Although Emmitsburg was a forgotten footnote in American history, the Toms Creek area became famous due to one individual, named Francis Scott Key.

Francis Scott Key (son of General John Ross Key) was born on August 1, 1779, in western Maryland on the family estate outside of Tom’s Creek called Terra Ruba. He was the son of an established Maryland family, and attended grammar school at Annapolis when he was 10 years old. At the age of 17, he graduated from St. Johns College in Annapolis and moved to Frederick, Maryland. He became a lawyer in Frederick until he moved to Georgetown. By 1805 he had established in law practice in Georgetown, Maryland and became one of the best lawyers in Washington. Francis Scott Key was a religious man and was involved in the Episcopal Church. Although opposed to the war, he served for a brief period with the Georgetown Light Field Artillery.

During the Battle of Bladensburg, Key was assigned of giving out field positions to the American troops. As the British began preparations to attack Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key was taken into captivity while arranging Dr. Beans’ release and witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in the Baltimore Harbor. He often wrote poems and the sight of the American flag still flying over the fort at daybreak inspired him to write the poem entitled “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which he set to the tune of an old English drinking song called, “To Anacreon in Heaven.

President James Madison warned his cabinet that he expected the British to attack Washington. The president then selected General William Winder to command a newly created Tenth Military District that covered Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia.. With much debate with the number of troops he had in his command, he could not order the defenses of Washington to be reinforced by additional troops until there was imminent danger.

August 24, was a day that America would rather forget. It was this day that Bladensburg was fought and is when Washington was taken by the British. During the morning, the British had marched for seven miles to Bladensburg. The British army still felt the swaying of the sea in their knees and the hot weather forced some of the soldiers dropped dead in their tracks. As British approached Bladensburg, the danger became more than threatening, as they clashed for three hours with a much stronger American force. The tired soldiers of the British came onto the field without their Sharpshooters. The Americans thought how strange for the British to engage without support of their Sharpshooters. The Americans had thought a quick victory was at hand.

The defenses on the American right flank consisted of the Baltimore Artillery, who was entrenched on a knoll over looking the bridge that the British had to use. The Secretary of State James Monroe had arrived on the field and helped changed General Tobias Stansbury’s deployments giving the Americans a chance for victory. General Stansbury’s command fired a massive volley at the on coming British allies under Duke Wellington, as they began to scatter.

Seeing the British approach and the deployment of their artillery the Baltimore artillery held off the British. As the British began to charge the bridge, Colonel Thornton gave the order to his command to charge. The Baltimore artillery had no chance to fire the oncoming British as Colonel Thornton’s early charge did not allow them time to weaken the army. The British seeing the American advance, the red coats hurried as they placed their three cannon and began to fire at the defenses of the Americans. As the British engaged Colonel Thornton’s small army, they began to break through.

The British soon advanced on Colonel Wadsworth’s Baltimore Artillery, seeing the British charge, Wadsworth gave the command “load” as the Americans mistakenly placed the wadding in the barrel of the cannon, before placing the charge of powder, and this left the Americans fleeing, leaving both cannon behind. The 5th regiment was ordered to support the Baltimore Artillery; soon they were repulsed as rockets flew in the air. The British with three cannon and the Congreve Rocket petrified the militia as they broke and fled after a few volleys were fired. The right of the American army began to splinter, as General Winder pleaded with these men not to retreat and advance the British. The whole right flank of the American army started to retreat. Out of 1350 men the Americans had only fifty stayed and fought before they to retreated. The Americans were breaking giving the National Turnpike to the British, as the militia was in full flight as they were insufficiently trained to withdraw in good order. At this point private Henry Fulford quoted “Our main objective was to flee from the British and head to a near by swamp.”

The Americans received reinforcements from Commodore Joshua Barney and 400 sailors and marines who arrived at Bladensburg and formed the third line of battle. The sailors and the marines held as long as they could while the Americans retreated. The only defense of the Americans had to slow the British advance on Washington, was a battery of five naval cannon. Only the sailors and marines held firm, but the British eventually maneuvered around them. Commodore Joshua Barney and his battalion were the only Americans to gain credit for the day. President Madison was tracking down the Secretary of War to find out what steps were in the works to meet the final British assault, he was shocked and disheartened to find out there was no plan. By 4:00 P.M. the Battle of Bladensburg was over, it had lasted three hours.

The position of American troops at Bladensburg was improperly coordinated. General Winder himself contributed to the defeat by ordering the militiamen to retire before they were properly deployed. The battle of Blandensburg became known as “The Bladenburg Races.” After a few hours rest the British formed up and continued on toward Washington.

By dusk, the British approached the heart of Washington bearing a flag of truce and demanded surrender. Suddenly from a house window the flag of truce is fired upon. The British troops rushed into the house where the shots had been fired from, and put all who were found in the house to the sword and then reduced the house to ashes. They went onto burn and destroy every building connected to the government. This was a major embarrassment to our nation, which resulted disastrously to the Americans as important historical landmarks and official government documents were destroyed. The British stayed in Washington for two nights as the city laid in agony. The weather had turned for the worst, as a storm made landfall. Not knowing when the broken American army would try and retake Washington, the British to abandon Washington the next night.

Early September, after their success in Washington, the British decided to follow up with an attack on Baltimore. This city was an attractive target not only because it was a large commercial center and an important base for privateers but also because it was such a hotbed of algophobia. On the afternoon of September 11, General John Stricker of the American army marches out of Baltimore toward North Point with 3,200 men. That evening he encamped seven miles from the city near the Methodist-meeting house. The next morning a British force of 5,000 landed at North Point under the command of General Robert Ross and Admiral George Cockburn.

At 7 A.M. on September 12, General Stricker receives word of the British landing and orders all baggage to the rear, while he arranges his brigade into three defense lines at the narrowest point between the Patapsco and Back Rivers. At noon the two forces met and a brief skirmish erupts. During the skirmish, British General Ross was killed. The command was then given to Colonel Arthur Brooke. Colonel Brooke brings up the Light Infantry and Rocket Batteries and encounters General Stricker’s 3rd Brigade. Unable to hold his left flank against a British flanking assault, he orders an orderly fallback to the defenses of Baltimore City on Hampstead Hill. By 4 p.m. General Sticker the burning of a large ropewalk (a long, low building used for manufacturing rope for ships), creating “a very brilliant light” that temporarily causes panic in Baltimore. British warships began to sail up the river to take position two miles from Fort McHenry.

By 5:30 A.M. on September 13, the British warships commence the bombardment of Fort McHenry, their artillery quickly replied. British warships then move and anchor out of range from the fort’s cannon. While on land at north Point, the British push forward and try to out flank the American right, but is countered. As the British return to their former position east of Hampstead Hill, Colonel Brooke considers a frontal assault at midnight upon the American left flank. If he would pursue this plan, he would need the British navy to distract the Americans. As the British continued to attack Fort McHenry, a British mortar shell make a direct hit on Bastion Number 3 dismounting a 24-pound cannon and killing Lt. Levi Claggett and Sergeant John Clemm of the Baltimore Fencibles.

The British, believing they had executed severe damage, moved nearer to the fort. With the British ships now within range of the fort’s guns, the American defenders respond with all available guns, scoring several hits. As the land battle of North Point was underway, Colonel Brooke receives a message from the Vice Admiral that the ships cannot lend support to his assault because sunken vessels and the extensive American shore batteries block the channel. The British intend to engage the western shore batteries and create a diversion in hopes of pulling the Americans from Hampstead Hill to support the threat on Fort McHenry and the backdoor of their defenses, favoring an assault by Brook’s forces on Hampstead Hill.

The British continued their march to Baltimore. After getting within sight of the cities defenses, the British decided to turn back because they could not lure the Americans out from their defensive works. Meanwhile Cohchrane had brought up his bomb and rocket ships to attack Fort McHenry. Major George Armistead stood with 1000 men to defend the fort. Cohcrane wanted to silence the guns of the fort so that he could bring in the smaller ships and then weaken the American lines.

As midnight approached the British flotilla proceeds with its diversionary plan up the Ferry Branch, Colonel Brooke has already decided to withdraw the Army and return to their shipping at North Point. Brooke’s decision would not reach the Navy in time to cancel the Ferry Branch offensive. The American defenders at Forts Covington and Babcock discover the British flotilla offshore and open crossfire on the barges. Two barges are sunk. After the bombardment, Fort McHenry ceases its fire against the British ships. By 7 a.m. the next morning, the British cease-fire and begin to withdraw. As the last British ship sails down river, Fort McHenry raises the Star-Spangled Banner over the ramparts. That evening, a small cartel vessel passes Fort McHenry and docks at Fells Point and on board is Francis Scott Key.

The British bombardment of Fort McHenry began at 5:00 a.m. on the morning of September 13, as a young lawyer named Francis Scott Key watched the red glare of the British rockets, the bombs bursting in air over the Fort and wrote a poem about the flag that was still flying over the fort after a siege of three days and nights. The British gave up the siege and retreated, the Americans had held out, it was a heartening victory and a version of Key’s poem would become our National Anthem.

After the War of 1812 Francis Scott Key continued practicing law. He was the district attorney in Washington, D.C. until his death on January 11, 1843. He is buried at Mount Olive Cemetery in Frederick, Maryland. “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which Francis Scott Key wrote became our country’s national anthem in 1931.

Today, Tera Ruba (Latin for Red Earth) stands as a monument in honor of Francis Scott Key outside of Toms Creek in the small town of Keysville. The only monuments for their brave acts during the War of 1812 are the tombstones in which these soldiers of Emmitsburg sleep. In James Helman’s 1906 book A History of Emmitsburg history he lists those who are buried in the Cemeteries around the Toms Creek area and they are as follows:

  • Michael C. Adelsberger
  • Jesse Nusseur
  • Paxton Peter Remby
  • Capt. Jacob Row
  • Capt. Michael Sluss
  • James Storm
  • Felix B. Taney
  • John Wetzel

A personal note: While researching this article, I ran into two of my ancestors who fought in the War of 1812. Private Miller Junkins, died December 1, 1814 and Private John Durst who served in the First Rifle Battalion Maryland Militia. My mother has always told me Francis Scott Key is a relation in my family heritage.

 

STORY -JOHN MILLER