The Town That Fooled The British

Two hundred years ago the town of St. Michaels, Maryland fooled the British. 

In August, 1813, during the war of 1812, the locals knew an attack was imminent.  

They came up with a great idea that saved their town. 

Initially, the Red Coats (British) disembarked their ships and invaded the town at 4:00 am with a march of 500 soldiers.  When the Americans forced them to retreat with two shots from the cannons they had in position, the British returned to their anchored ships and fired round after round at the town.

But every shot missed. 

Why? 

The townspeople had outfoxed them.  They came up with a plan to dim the lights of their houses and hang lanterns in trees, inland from the town.  This led the British to fire too high and too far, thereby sparing the town's buildings from destruction.

This little settlement still celebrates their victory.  And they still call themselves:  "The town that fooled the British."

And that is why the Union Jack hangs alongside the American flag, above our boat, and throughout the town.