Inscription:
Kent County Militia under Lt. Col. Philip A. Reed marched from Belle Air (Fairlee) to meet British Forces here on August 31, 1814. The British with 15 killed, were repulsed and their commander, Sir Peter Parker, mortally wounded. American losses were slight.

Erected by Maryland Historical Society.

Marker is in Fairlee, Maryland, in Kent County on Maryland Route 20, 0.3 miles north of Maryland Route 21, on the right when traveling south.

Near the Historical sign on MD21 is the Caulk’s Field Memorial. Between the burning of Washington and the attack on Fort McHenry was the Battle of Caulk’s Field on the Delmarva Peninsula in Kent County, MD.

Taking place on the night of August 30 and early morning hours of August 31, 1814, Captain Sir Peter Parker, commander of the frigate HM Menelaus, learning of a a company of Maryland militiamen in Bel Air, now called Fairlee, lead a force of about 140 marines and sailors onto the shore near Tolchester.

The two units came together at around 1am. The battle ultimately would have fourteen British soldiers and sailors, including Parker, killed. Twelve are buried in unmarked graves on the Battle site. As many as 27 were wounded, some seriously, with only three Americans receiving minor wounds.

The Battle of Caulk’s Field was declared a militia victory, one that was sorely needed at the time.

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Note:
Last year when I began doing “Marker Tuesday”, this was one of the first post. After doing a post a week for around 6 months I had gone through most of the photos that I had taken of these Highway Historical Markers. There are still many markers that I still have to photo. Starting on October 3, 2023 I plan to begin doing “History Marker Tuesday”. I am hoping that most of them will be new ones, but from time to time there may be a re-post.

Along the roads in Maryland there are roadside historical markers. Hundreds on Maryland Eastern Shore. The program was launched in 1933 and is currently administered by the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) in cooperation with the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA).These roadside historical markers are an effective way to draw attention to the many events, people and places that have contributed to the history of Maryland and the nation.

Often we will pass these signs at a speed that makes them hard to read. I will be posting one of these Highway Historical Markers each Tuesday Morning. Please come by to read read them and learn a little about the remarkable people, places and events throughout the region.

Why am I doing “Marker Tuesday” and the the often seen “Marker Monday”? No reason other than be different. Enjoy.