The Last Battlefield Monument in America? - John Sower

War of 1812 Battle of Bladensburg Monument

The last battlefield monument on American soil?

In 1814, British forces defeated the Americans in Bladensburg, Maryland, marched into Washington, I)C, and burned the US Capitol, White House, and other buildings.

For nearly years, the battlefield where Americans fought and died attempting to defend their capital was ignored and lost to history.

Finally, a local volunteer group led by a former Marine Captain and history enthusiast whose family business was near the site stepped up to the plate. They meticulously planned the design, raised funds, and built die Battle Monument in time for the 200th anniversary in 2014.

This book tells the dramatic, step-by-step story of planning and creating the Battle of Bladensburg Monument, the pitfalls and crises, and the people involved.

The first battlefield monument on American soil was built in 1799 for the 1775 Revolutionary War Battle of Lexington, Massachusetts.

The last battlefield monument on American soil was built in 2014 for the 1814 Battle of Bladensburg. Unlike other monuments, it uniquely contains narrative wording that explains the battle and vivid col(Y images of the and actions.

These two monuments are bookends, with many monuments from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and other battles between them.