Category: Elk Landing

Seeking out colonial-era maps of Elk Landing local archaeologist, George Reynolds, stopped by this week.  The Archaeological Society of Northeastern Maryland is sponsoring a summer field school at the Landing and George is preparing for the opening talk, as he conducted the first study on that historic parcel in the early 1980s.  To flush out the lecture, George was searching for maps showing Rochambeau in Elkton so we scanned two of them (see below). 

During the American Revolution French troops under Jean-Baptist de Rochambeau passed through Cecil County in 1781.  As the army marched through the area, the general’s cartographer sketched out the advance.

Here are two included in the excellent reference, The American Campaigns of Rochambeau’s Army, which also contains a published journal detailing the movement.  Anyone studying Cecil’s history during the Revolutionary War will find this title of interest.  These 1781 maps show a cluster of nine structures at Elk Landing.  They also show structures in the vicinity of North and Main streets in the center of Elkton (Head of Elk), as well as the placement of French military units.

Those interested in this subject will find this title helpful, as it’s one more method we’ve used to develop evidence-based interpretations of Cecil County during the Revolutionary War.

Also of Interest

Where did all Those Cannonballs Come From: The Treasures in the Soil Around Elkton.

Press Release – Historic Elk Landing Foundation

“They were a wretched, cowardly set of marauders, going only to those points which were unprotected.”  That’s how Judge Thomas Jefferson Sample described the British sailors and Marines who attempted to invade and burn Elkton 199 years ago this coming weekend.

On Saturday, April 28th you’ll have a chance to hear more from Judge Sample as he reminisces about his days at Elk Landing and his firsthand account of events there from April, 1813 when the British met their match at Forts Hollingsworth and Defiance.

Begin your trip back in time this Saturday with a welcoming from Elk Landing proprietor Zebulon Hollingsworth himself, as the gates open at 10 a.m.

At 10:45, it’s show time, featuring fifth grade students from Holly Hall Elementary School performing their skit, “The Invasion of Frenchtown” highlighting the British capturing and burning of the Frenchtown hamlet just a mile or so south of Elk Landing in 1813. The skit also recognizes the heroics of 20 year old slave woman, Hetty Boulden, for misdirecting the British and leading them into the guns of Fort Hollingsworth at Elk Landing.

The Hollingsworth House and our Stone Structure (both present for the original battle) will be open for tours. Refreshments will also be offered for sale. Admission to the event is free as is ample parking just outside the gates to the grounds.