Bills by Prince George's Lawmaker Arouse Tempers in China

-- Lisa Rein

$100,000 Grant for Historic Trail

U.S. Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) visited the Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Prince George's County last week to announce a $100,000 grant to improve access and signage at waterways that will become part of the new Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.

The trail will follow the route of the British invasion of Virginia, Maryland and Washington in 1814, by land and water, and is intended to be done in time for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.

Cardin joined Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) to announce the grant at the waterfront, which is near the historic site of the Battle of Bladensburg. In the 1814 battle, the British smashed a U.S. militia force, leaving the capital open for attack.

"As we prepare for the bicentennial celebration of the War of 1812, the Star-Spangled Banner Trail will ensure that Americans have a much better appreciation of America's past and of Maryland's important contributions to it," Cardin said in a statement.

The trail will follow key events of the war, including a naval battle at St. Leonard's Creek in Calvert County, the Bladensburg battle and the sacking of Washington.

-- Rosalind S. Helderman