Patuxtent River Shipwreck Could Be From The War Of 1812

[WASHINGTON POST]  SHIPWRECK COULD YIELD THE USS SCORPION FROM THE WAR OF 1812

Prince George’s may be the home to a major historical landmark of the War of 1812.  Crews of divers, archeologists and state officials have been examining the depths of the Patuxent River near Upper Marlboro to decide if they have found the infamous shipwrecked USS Scorpion. 

The Scorpion was designed to navigate the shallow waters of the Patuxent and was used in the 19th century to combat British Royal Navy that terrorized coastal towns from Maryland to Virginia.  It was originally a part of the Chesapeake Flotilla that battled the British in St. Leonard’s Creek.  It was later destroyed by its commander after getting stuck in the Patuxent, to prevent it from falling into British hands.  The British eventually arrived in Washington and set fire to the president’s mansion and the Capitol.

As the bicentennial of the War of 1812 approaches, Maryland hopes that they have finally discovered the long lost ship after working around the clock seven days a week since late July.  Several artifacts have appeared that give researchers reason to believe that the ship has been located.  This site, once identified, could become a major tourist attraction for the state of Maryland, especially during the upcoming 32 month commemoration of the Battle of 1812.  According to Bill Pencek, the executive director of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, “It’s very much about economic development and cultural heritage tourism.”

To learn more about the USS Scorpion and its possible excavation, read this Washington Post article.



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