Defenders’ Day is a Maryland holiday celebrated on September 12th to honor the defense of Baltimore against the British during the War of 1812. The holiday is observed in Baltimore City and the surrounding Baltimore and Harford counties.
Baltimore has been celebrating Defenders’ Day since 1815, making it the city’s oldest holiday. The defense of Baltimore also inspired the poem and National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”
Although Defenders’ Day is primarily celebrated in Baltimore, it has notable ties to Harford County as well. John Adams Webster, born in Harford County, served in the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812. Despite being wounded, Webster remained at his post during the attack on Fort McHenry, playing a key role in defending the fort against the British. His shoulder was permanently injured in the battle, yet he continued to serve as a captain for many more decades.
For his heroism during the War of 1812, John Adams Webster was awarded two swords—one from the city of Baltimore and another from the state of Maryland. Beyond his service in the War of 1812, Webster continued his military career as a captain in the Revenue Service (today’s Coast Guard) and played an instrumental role during the Mexican-American War.
Webster later retired to Mt. Adams farm in his home county of Harford, where he is still honored today during Defenders’ Day celebrations. John Adams Webster was related to President John Quincy Adams and is also an ancestor of the present-day county executive, Bob Cassilly.
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