|
Slowly drifting, by boat, to a 3,000-pound flag-painted buoy offers an epic American story to tell. The Star-Spangled Banner was written in its' exact spot when the "bombs were bursting in air". Let us travel back in time when the anthem was first inspired, from an American prisoner aboard a British war ship here in the Cheasapeake Bay.  In 1814, the British had a plan - attack to destroy Fort Henry and move on to invade Baltimore. On one-of-the-sixteen British vessels, a part-time poet named Francis Scott Key, was being held prisoner. Looking out of the holding tank window, he sadly watched as "rockets red glares" were streaming across the "dawn's early light". The island base was being bombarded!  Throughout the "perilous fight, "our flag was still there"! As Francis was witnessing this tragic event, he began writing, on the back of an envelope, the first draft of what we know today as our national anthem - The Star-Spangled Banner.  This beautiful commemorative buoy represents the approximate location this part time poet was inspired to write our national anthem. Boaters and motorists on the Francis Scott Key Bridge can easily spot and enjoy this flag-painted buoy anchored in place with an 8,500-pound block of cement.  The bombardment was a failure. The British were forced to retreat leading to a turning point in the War of 1812. Fort McHenry survived the 25-hour attack of over 1,500 bombs, rockets and shells. Today there is a small free visitor center which can be enjoyed by taking a Water Taxi to the fort.  Having boat access to this epic story began with a brief encounter, asking a local if they could recommend a Maryland IPA to me. Thank you both for this unforgettable experience on your beautiful boat in the Chesapeake Bay.  Closing this fun narrative with the last words - "O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave".
0 Comments
As I was traveling the rural roads of Maryland, I drove past this hand painted sign. Curiosity got the best of me. I carefully made a U-turn on the narrow road and followed the arrow onto the farm property.  As I approached the home, many children came out of the barn and house at the same time. The ages ranged from two to seventeen. A woman with a baby in her arms and wearing a very soiled full apron also came outside and said, "Can I help you today?" I introduced myself and shared my curiosity of the sign at the entrance of their driveway.  The oldest boy quickly re-entered the house and came out with a piece of paper in his hand. He handed it to me and with a confident smile said, "We are Amish. I write these menus myself!"  The woman yelled towards the large barn for her husband. Within seconds he was walking towards the porch. He was dressed in a white tee shirt and blue overalls. He was sporting a full beard. After our introduction, he asked if I wanted an inside view of his property.  He led me to the barn where they stored several buggies. He rustled in his front center pocket and pulled out a half smoked thin cigar. He struck a wooden match. As he spoke to me, he would pause and take another toke from the cigar and exhale loudly, bellowing sweet, scented smoke between us.  He shared with me how his farm supports his large family of ten. His main source of income was chickens and their eggs. There were several buildings completely filled with hundreds of cackling birds.
The property had patches of vegetation from corn to green beans. As we walked around the property, he abruptly turned to me, "How much longer are you staying?" I smiled and said, "You have been more than gracious. Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule and family." We walked back to an empty porch.  I bought two homemade chicken pot pies. I also asked for a half gallon of homemade root beer. The seventeen-year-old returned with the root beer. We talked briefly as he explained his simple life of being homeschooled with no electricity, internet or cell phone. He seemed to be very content with his lifestyle. I shook his hand and thanked him for sharing. As I was driving away, alongside of me was a very young girl pulling a red wagon with a young boy in it. They both smiled and waved. I drove away with my thoughts racing and a sense of an adrenaline rush. That evening, as I was enjoying the chicken pot pie while washing it down with root beer, I smiled and said out loud, "I can’t wait to share my story!"  Along the Chesapeake Bay, the small historical town of Havre de Grace has an almost unbelievable heroic story. The question is how much of the story is fact and how much is folklore? I decided to visit the 36-foot Concord Point Lighthouse area to learn more. During the War of 1812, the American militia was stationed near the waters protecting the land from a British invasion at Concord Point. One evening, a young man spotted foreign vessels coming towards the town. It was the Brits!  All the soldiers ran from their posts except for one young man named John O' Neil. John began firing a cannon towards the potential intruders. The cannons recoiled, injuring John! John fled for his safety. The British invasion began. John was immediately captured and was told he would hang the following day.  John's large family lived in this beautiful home nearby. His sixteen-year-old daughter, Matilda, ran to the shore and jumped in a wooden rowboat. She furiously fought the waves trying to get out to the British vessels to beg for her father's life. The British captain was so impressed with Matilda heroic actions, he gave her his prized gold-lined snuff box and promised to release her father. John was released as promised.  After the War of 1812, John became the town commissioner and lighthouse keeper until his death. In 1914, the city honored John with a monument holding the exact cannon he fired. His grandson conducted the raising of the flag during the ceremony.  Today, some argue these two heroic events have been greatly exaggerated. Others swear to its accuracy. I prefer the latter. We all need a good heroic story once in a while. By the way, the city of Havre de Grace was one vote away to becoming the capital of the United States in the forming years of the nation. A beautiful historic park tells it all. A beautiful, quaint city to visit!  |
