What Is Fort McHenry National Monument?
Fort McHenry withstood a full-scale bombardment by the British navy between September 13 and 14, 1814 and inspired Francis Scott Key to pen what became our national anthem!
What Makes It Historical?
Imagine you’re on a mission to free a political prisoner from the strongest navy in the world, and once on board, you’re detained and have to watch as all through the night, this same navy blasts the shore of your home country with rockets and bombs! That’s what happened to lawyer, Francis Scott Key! He stayed up all night wondering if the dawn’s early light would reveal a British flag flying over tiny Fort McHenry, so imagine his amazement when the sea breezes blew back the smoke just enough to make out the tattered American flag still flying over the fort! By presidential proclamation, an American flag must fly over Fort McHenry 24 hours a day!
This story is beautifully told via video in the visitor center, which concludes with the singing of the national anthem and the screen rising up over the window to reveal the actual flag still flying! It’s an awe-inspiring experience! Today, this star-shaped, red brick fort still watches over the white foam and blue waters of Chesapeake Bay, the ultimate symbol of patriotism!
Also, did you know that the tune for the Star Spangled Banner is actually a British piece by John Stafford Smith, called To Anacreon in Heaven?!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer at Fort McHenry National Monument!
- Donate to Fort McHenry National Monument!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
2400 East Fort Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21230
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
The park is open every day from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM and until 6:00 PM between Memorial Day and Labor Day!
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