‘General Kamenetz’ Leads Local Troops at Defenders Day

Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz didn’t just show up at Defenders Day at Fort Howard Park to mingle, shake hands and offer a few perfunctory remarks.

Dressed in full Revolutionary-era regalia, "General" Kamenetz gave a stirring to speech to inspire the outnumbered local troops facing invading British forces on the tip of the North Point Peninsula. Then, he joined reenactors on the field of battle before hundreds of families gathered Sunday afternoon, replaying what is considered the most significant military battle ever on Baltimore County soil.

In one way or another, commemorations of the Sept. 12, 1814 Battle of North Point, part of the larger defense of Baltimore—the turning point in the War of 1812—have been taking place for almost 200 years.

“The first year, 1815, a picnic was held behind where the McDonald’s on North Point Road sits today,” said Harry Wujek, of the North Point Peninsula Community Coordinating Council. “The Chamber of Commerce ran Defenders Day until 1996. A few years later, the Dundalk-Patapsco Neck Historical Society [which currently organizes Defenders Day] picked it up.”

Entering the park, 24 15-star, 15-stripe flags were set as part of a memorial for 24 local Americans who died at the Battle of North Point.

The event, said volunteer Cecilia Lesse, is important to “teach kids about history and patriotism.”

“Especially the history around here, which they don’t get in school,” Lesse said.

A replica 19th century Baltimore topsail schooner, the type authorized during the War of 1812 to disrupt British commerce, was on site as well.

Also present were information booths about local history, the War of 1812 and plans for its bicentennial celebration next year, including work on the Star-Spangled Historical Trail, which will stretch from Tangier Island, VA, to North Point, Hampstead Hill [now the Patterson Park area] to Fort McHenry. But the biggest attractions were the 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. battle reenactments, complete with live-sounding, smoke-filled rifle and cannon fire.

"It's fun to see how things were different," said Colby Whetstone, 9, a student. Colby came with his aunt, Pamela Stroh, and cousin, Tyler Stroh. 

The park’s playground was also busy throughout the morning and afternoon, as were the food and snoball stands.

“This is a great day to bring children and family and friends and commemorate the War of 1812,” said County Councilman John Olszewski Sr., referring to both the event and clear skies. “You can’t beat the view of the beautiful Chesapeake Bay in the background.”

State Del. Michael H. Weir and Del. John Olszewski Jr. also were in attendance.

The Battle of North Point, Olszewski Jr. said, commenting on the significance of the commemoration, “was a watershed event in the region and state, and quite frankly, the country.” At the Battle of North Point, American troops and Maryland militia members slowed down superior British forces set on attacking Baltimore by land as the bombardment of Fort McHenry took place.

Of course, it was during the bombardment of Fort McHenry that Francis Scott Key, captive aboard a British ship [near what is now the Key Bridge], wrote the "Star-Spangled Banner."

Olszewski Jr. is hopeful the Star-Spangled Banner Trail will ultimately become a draw for the area.

“We have a great story to tell,” he said.

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