War of 1812 and MedChi

You might know that this summer is the Star-Spangled Summer in Baltimore, and MedChi is proud to be a small part of the city’s celebrations of the 200th Anniversary of the writing of our national anthem.

The Medical & Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland, which was founded only 13 years before the War of 1812 began, helped to provide medical care to the soldiers and sailors defending our country in the Battles of Bladensburg, North Point and Baltimore. Throughout the summer of 1814, which was when these battles actually took place, our physicians were involved in many ways.

From Dr. William Beanes, who was the unknown man behind the National Anthem, to Dr. James McHenry, after whom Fort McHenry is named, these men all had a role in the War of 1812.

Over the summer, I will be highlighting each of the MedChi members who had a part in the War, and providing a brief biography and a portrait, if one’s available.

We are working with Baltimore Heritage’s 1814 project, and the Star-Spangled 200 commission to help highlight some of men who defended Baltimore. I hope that you will follow along with us as we move towards September 14, 2014, the 200th anniversary.

If you’d like to read more about the Battle of Baltimore and the flag which flew at that time, I can recommend two very good books:

• The Dawn's Early Light was written by Baltimorean Walter Lord, who penned A Night to Remember, the story of the Titanic. It is fun to follow along, day by day, as the events happen, so you get a real-time feeling for how long it took from the burning of Washington to the bombardment of Baltimore.
• The Star-Spangled Banner: The Making of an American Icon is the story of the flag which flew over Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore, from the time it was acquired by the Smithsonian in 1907, through its restoration in the early 2000’s.

Be sure to check Star-Spangled 200’s website to keep up with everything that’s happening in Baltimore for the next three months. It’s going to be lots of fun!