About the Area
The Town that Fooled the British
The historic town of St Michaels dates back to the mid-1600s when it served as a trading post for area tobacco farmers and trappers. In 1672 the Christ Episcopal Church of St Michael Archangel parish (the church where we will be married) was founded in present day St. Michaels and established the name of the town as 'St Michaels'. In 1778 a British land agent, James Braddock, purchased 20 acres and deeded 58 lots. This created St. Mary's Square, the historic center of St. Michaels.
The town played a role in the War of 1812 when, in 1813, a fleet under the command of Admiral George Cockburn moved up the Chesapeake Bay, and targeted St. Michaels because of the presence of a militia battery erected to defend the town and its shipyards. Under cover of early morning darkness on August 10, 1813, the Battle of St. Michaels commenced as the British sent a landing party ashore just south of the town, and after a brief exchange, neutralized the battery and returned to their boats. The British proceeded to bombard the town from the barges and a brig, but failed to destroy the shipyards or cause any substantial damage to the town. The militia returned fire from artillery batteries at Impy Dawson's wharf (the foot of Mulberry Street) and Mill Point (the foot of Carpenter Street). A contemporary report noted that 'several houses were pierced' by the British fire. Nearly a century later a story was recorded that as a result of the town's ruse of dimming the lights and hanging lanterns in the trees beyond the town, the town was spared. Based on this story, St. Michaels became known as 'the town that fooled the British,' a nickname selected during the sesquicentennial celebration of the battle in 1963. The Cannonball House survives as one of the structures reportedly struck by one of the shots, and is on the National Register of Historic Places, as is the Saint Michaels Historic District.
From Experience St. Michaels. Click here to learn more and discover attractions in the area.
Our Connection
Madison grew up visiting her grandparents in St. Michaels. She spent many summers here and has fond memories of spending time on the water, fishing and crabbing, visiting the Maritime Museum, getting candy at Olde Town Candy, going to Calico Toys and Games, and getting chicken salad at the Village Shoppe.
The church where they will marry is where Madison was christened, her parents, Chris and Carter, were married and where her grandparents, Clay and Shirley are buried.
In 2019, the Bradshaws moved from California to Maryland and Greg has gotten to spend time in the area, as well. Just down the Chesapeake Bay from the wedding venue was the site of their first 70.3.
This has been a special area for both of them and will be for their family in years to come. They cannot wait to share it with all of you.