Friday Facts: Hampstead Hill
It's time for this week's edition of FRIDAY FACTS!
Did you know? Baltimore was the site of not one, but two battles that saved the fledgling United States during the War of 1812.
One if by land, two if by sea? For Baltimore in 1814, it was all of the above. While most Baltimoreans know about the battle that took place at Fort McHenry and inspired the National Anthem, the British also came by land. Stepping ashore at the modern North Point State Park in Baltimore County, the British troops marched towards Baltimore.
Local militias retreated back to Hampstead Hill, where over 20,000 militiamen and 100 cannons sat waiting. With no help from their fleet, the British turned back towards North Point, got on their ships, and left for home. The pride of Baltimoreans for this victory made Hampstead Hill famous, leading to it becoming the public park we now call Patterson Park.