Bear Creek Historical Project
A Study of the Land and Its People
THE FUTURE
While Baltimore’s defense from British attack was long ago, our need to recognize its importance remains. It is unique in American history since it marks the only time a city was asked to pay for its own defense from a foreign invader during a time of war. It is a perfect example of an entire community joining together in common cause and risking everything – wealth, land, businesses, and family members – to repel a foreign attack. It was a time when the top 1% socio-economic ladder of a city was as invested in saving that city as was the rest of the population. It was a time of which we should be proud, and of actions we should commemorate. Memorials are important.
There are important portions to the story of the defense of the port of Baltimore in 1814 that are still unrecognized, and some of them involve Patapsco Neck. While their significance is recognized by monuments and historic sites along North Point Road that commemorate the Battle of Patapsco Neck, nothing marks the significant role Bear Creek played in that battle.
Recognition should be made of the engagement involving nearly 2,000 soldiers, sailors, and marines, both American and British, at Juliet Eliza Sollers farm on Sollers Point at the mouth of Bear Creek. Similarly, in the area of Charlesmont Park, recognition should be made of its role in the transportation of the wounded and prisoners from the battlefield to the British fleet. Recognition that one of America’s most storied naval officers from both the American Revolution and the War of 1812, Commodore Joshua Barney, grew up on Bear Creek at his family’s home (Barney’s Inheritance) near Bear Creek Park has long been awaited. Finally, Bear Creek itself has changed little since 1814 upstream from Sparrows Point. Its historic landscape should also be recognized and commemorated.
