Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail: Feasibility Study & Final Environmental Impact Statement

National Park Service - National Capital Region

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and desirability of designating the routes used by the British and Americans during the 1814 Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812 as a National Historic Trail (NHT) under the study provisions of the National Trails System Act (Public Law 90-543, 16 USC 1241, et seq.). This report is intended to provide information necessary for the evaluation of national significance and the potential designation of a NHT. The proposed NHT would commemorate the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812, which includes the British invasion of Maryland, Battle of Bladensburg, burning of the White House and the Capitol, and the Battle for Baltimore in the summer of 1814. Eight potential land and water trail segments trace the historic routes of the British and American forces and the battles that inspired the writing of the poem that became the National Anthem. The routes taken by President Madison and the First Lady when fleeing Washington, the route to move important national documents to safety, and the route taken by the American forces to defend Baltimore are also studied and analyzed. The history, background, integrity, and national significance of the proposed Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail have been researched and analyzed. The criteria for national trails, set forth in the National Trails Systems Act, have been applied, and five of the eight trail segments meet all three criteria. National Historic Landmark criteria for national significance have also been applied and have been met by the proposed trail. Alternatives, and the environmental consequences of those alternatives, for the management and use of the proposed trail have also been developed and are presented in this report. Alternative A, the no action alternative, continues the existing management policies and authorities. There would continue to be piecemeal interpretation of the events of 1814 and no single organization or entity would be designated to oversee interpretation or development of a trail. This alternative will not result in any greater education or interpretation. Cultural and natural resources would not be protected or interpreted beyond current efforts. Alternative B, the preferred alternative, takes advantage of the regional nature of the trail and the many organizations interested in and associated with the history of the Chesapeake Campaign. This alternative calls for a joint partnership between federal, state, and local governments, a dedicated trail organization, and site managers to administer and maintain a federally-designated commemorative trail along the historic routes of the Chesapeake Campaign. Because of its emphasis on partnerships, this alternative provides the greatest flexibility for resource protection while creating a framework for interpretation and visitor experience. Alternative C recommends further study to determine eligibility for establishment of a Heritage Area and relies on the state governments for designation and management of a commemorative trail with only limited coordination through the federal government when federal property is involved. Similar to Alternative B, this alternative calls for federal management of all aspects of the trail with active federal management, and acquisition of properties when appropriate. This alternative has similar advantages to Alternative B but would require more federal funding, time, and staff for the administration and interpretation of the trail.