Bladensburg: River Park and History

Bladensburg combines the river landscape of the Anacostia River with a local history that spans from port commerce to the War of 1812. At Bladensburg Waterfront Park, the focus is on the riverside trail, boat tours, and water infrastructure; historic sites offer further points of interest. If you’re looking for a hotel in Bladensburg, these themes can help you decide what you’d like to focus on during your stay.

River landscapes and trails at Waterfront Park

Bladensburg Waterfront Park stretches along the Anacostia River. It has a paved riverside trail and is directly connected to the Anacostia Tributary Trail System. The riverside trail and the connection to the trail system are two distinct features of the park.

The park offers informative pontoon boat tours about the ecology and history of the Anacostia River. Boat ramps and launch sites for kayaks and canoes add to the water infrastructure. The tours focus on information about the river; the ramps and launch sites serve boats, kayaks, and canoes. Interpretive signs in the park also cover the War of 1812 and the Battle of Bladensburg.

Bladensburg and the War of 1812

The Battle of Bladensburg took place on August 24, 1814. It paved the way for British troops to march into Washington, D.C. Bladensburg Battlefield is considered nationally significant because of its connection to this pivotal battle in the War of 1812. Both the historic signs at Waterfront Park and the battlefield point to the significance of the conflict for Bladensburg.

The Battle of Bladensburg Audio Walking Tour starts at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. The tour recommends exploring the remains of the battlefield on foot or by bicycle. Since route conditions may change as development progresses, check the current route before setting out.

Balloon history and remembrance

Bladensburg Balloon Park Historic Site commemorates another episode in local history: the first unmanned hot-air balloon ascent in the United States took place here. A walking path shaped like a hot-air balloon recalls this history. The site is also home to the “Undaunted in Battle” memorial. It commemorates the people who fought and died in the Battle of Bladensburg in 1814. The site thus brings together balloon history and remembrance of the battle.

Port town and historic homes

By 1776, although it was still a village, Bladensburg was one of Maryland’s busiest ports and exported more tobacco than any other port on the western shore. This historic port character adds an earlier perspective on the town’s development to the story of the battle.

Bostwick House was built in 1746 for Christopher Lowndes. It is one of only four pre-Revolutionary War structures still standing in Bladensburg, Maryland. The Market Master's House is significant for its connection to the town’s development in the 18th century. Another trace of this era is the George Washington House, also known as the Indian Queen Tavern: in Bladensburg, it is the last surviving remnant of a social and commercial complex founded by Jacob Wirt in the early 1760s. Together, these houses point to different aspects of the town’s development, from individual buildings to a broader social and commercial context.

Explore more destinations: Clinton, Capitol Heights, Temple Hills, Upper Marlboro, Laurel, Bowie, Largo, Riverdale Park

For the main travel guide: Prince George's.