History

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Commodore Joshua Barney House (Circa 1760) is best known for the historic hero who made it his home. 

Joshua Barney (1759 – 1818) served with distinction in the American Revolution and was a Naval War hero in the War of 1812. He was the only officer to win acclaim in both of these wars. A gallant Patriot, courageous officer and most respected seaman; Joshua Barney, a native Marylander, lived a fascinating life of adventure interwoven with the most historic events of the early days of our country.  Barney was instrumental in planning and ordering the flag flying over Ft. McHenry that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner; he designed and executed the brave Battle of Bladensburg in the War of 1812; he accompanied the George Washington's on some of their travels; he carried messages to France for Benjamin Franklin; and, he did much more.

To learn more about the exciting life of Joshua Barney, several biographies* are available for perusal or purchase at the inn.  You may also email or call us to order either of these books, and we will ship them to you.

* Including:
Sailor of Fortune by Footner 
and 
Joshua Barney: Hero of the Revolution and the War of 1812 by Norton.

Come and enjoy the wealth of history here in the mid-Atlantic during your stay at the Commodore Joshua Barney House.