On 15 October 2013, the Town of Upper Marlboro was invaded! At approximately 1030 that morning, a tour bus full of elegantly dressed U. S. Daughters of the War of 1812 pulled into the parking lot of the Old Marlboro Elementary School as part of their annual national convention. The ladies traveled to the gravesite of Dr. William Beanes and his wife, the former Sarah Hawkins Hanson, in order to unveil a new plaque commemorating Dr. Beane’s contributions to the War of 1812. The Town’s Historic Committee assisted in the coordination of and logistics for the event, which was well attended by over 75 guests. Born in what was then known as Upper Marlborough in 1749, Dr. Beanes provided medical care to soldiers during the Revolutionary War following the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Saratoga. Upon his return to Upper Marlborough, he became the owner of the only mill in the town and continued to practice medicine. However, he reached the apex of his fame following an incident during one of three occupations of Upper Marlborough by the red coats. After the British landed troops in Benedict in August 1814, they marched to Upper Marlborough. Once they reached the town, they realized that, except for the presence of Dr. Beanes, it was largely deserted. The British Commander decided to use Dr. Beanes’ home, then located on the hilltop near his gravesite, as the his headquarters. Because Beanes chose not to fight against the occupation of his home, he was believed to be sympathetic to the British cause. Unbeknownst to the British, however, because it was feared that the British would burn the capital city of Annapolis, Dr. Beanes had secretly hidden Maryland state records on his property for safekeeping. After a few British soldiers were found looting the abandoned properties of Upper Marlborough citizens, Dr. Beanes joined several other notable residents arrested the trouble makers. Once word of the arrests reached the British General who had occupied his property, an order was issued for Beanes to be taken into custody. After his arrest, one of Dr. Beanes’ friends enlisted the assistance of Frances Scott Key, a lawyer, to broker for his release. Following the negotiations with the British, Key and Beanes remained aboard a British warship throughout the bombardment of Fort McHenry, not knowing who was winning the battle. At daybreak, Key and Beanes witnessed the American flag still waving over the battered fort, inspiring Key to pen the words of the now famous “Star Spangled Banner.” The Town of Upper Marlboro Historical Committee was happy to assist the U.S. Daughters of 1812 in holding the event and in drawing attention to Dr. Beanes and our town’s unique and rich history. Many thanks to committee members Patti Skews, Brian Callicott, and Joe Plenzler for coordinating the chairs, set up, and press release! Works cited: https://ultimatehistoryproject/patriotortraitor Maryland Historic Trust Survey, msa.maryland.gov
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 18:48:58 +0000
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