Samuel Smith

1752–1839

Major general directing Baltimore’s defense

A merchant, politician, Revolutionary veteran, and militia officer, Smith coordinated Baltimore’s land defenses, troops, artillery, and civic mobilization.

Why this record matters

The city held because defense was a system built over time, not because one fort or one flag performed a miracle.

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Sources for this dossier

Battle for Baltimore CityNational Park Service · campaign overview
The land and water defenses of Baltimore.
The War of 1812 in BaltimoreBaltimore City Archives · local archive
Municipal records and Baltimore source material.