Benedict, Maryland

In the War of 1812, Benedict was the location where the British Army led by General Robert Ross landed on August 18, 1814, after having fought fierce naval battles with American naval forces in the Patuxent. From Benedict, the British began their march to Washington, D.C., routing a larger American force at the Battle of Bladensburg before ultimately burning the capital. Following this, they failed to capture Baltimore in the Battle of Baltimore.[6][7]

Benedict was the site of Camp Stanton, constructed in October 1863 for the Maryland 7th Regiment.[8] Camp Stanton was also the location where the Maryland 19th Regiment of the United States Colored Troops was formed on December 19, 1863, with freed slaves who were purchased for their freedom by the United States Government to serve as soldiers.[9] This unit distinguished itself at the Battle of the Wilderness.[10] Some of its members included the Rev. William Saunders Crowdy and his brother Daniel, of a plantation in St. Mary's County.

A school was established on the site to educate the black soldiers, most of whom had received no education when they were slaves. The school was run by Samuel C. Armstrong.[11]