Invasion! The War of 1812 is Living History at Point Lookout

Historic Reenactments of Wartime Actions Oct. 28-29

For Americans keeping watch for the approaching British during the War of 1812, the aptly named Point Lookout in St. Mary’s County served as an ideal location.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources this weekend offers visitors to Point Lookout State Park a chance to witness living history of the surveillance, the skirmish and other exciting events during “Invasion! The War of 1812.”

“Point Lookout provides the perfect vantage point at the confluence of the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay,” Maryland Park Service Ranger Dawn Letts said. “Then, as now, onlookers can view the vessels coming and going on both of these well traveled waterways. That was particularly important during the War of 1812, when soldiers on watch were monitoring any movement toward the state capital, Annapolis or the nation’s capital, Washington D.C.”

Weekend activities and attractions include:

• American and British camps open to the public;
• British amphibious landings and tactical demonstrations;
• Call to arms;
• Evening parade, roll call, company drills and flag lowering
• Morning parade, roll call, flag raising and company drills; and
• Weaponry and artillery drills as well as firing demonstrations.

These living history events will take place at the historic fort area and on the beach at Point Lookout Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The park museum and nature center will also be open during the events.

There is a service charge of $3 per car for residents and $5 for nonresidents. Disabled access is available; however, many activities are situated on grassy land and sandy areas that may present difficulty. The program will be held rain or shine.

“Invasion! The War of 1812” is hosted in partnership with the Friends of Point Lookout, Inc. For more information, please contact 301-872-5688.