Step inside this harbour-side attraction and learn about its fascinating history and its role in shaping the identity of the nation. Having been used as a critical defence post during the War of 1812, the building also inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that would later make up the lyrics of America’s national anthem.
On the morning of 14 September 1812, the British naval fleet, having bombarded the fort throughout the previous day and all night, finally withdrew. The fort had held strong throughout the attack. To celebrate this victorious moment, a new victory flag was raised above the fort. It was this scene that inspired the poem “The Defence of Fort McHenry”. The poem then became “The Star Spangled Banner”. Originally written by the lawyer Francis Scott Key, it contained the passage “the star spangled banner in triumph doth wave / O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave”. This formed the basis of the song that has remained the national anthem ever since.
There is a fascinating tour of the fort on offer, which starts with a short film shown at the visitor centre outlining the history of the fort. There are numerous interactive displays showing uniforms, weapons and maps from the Battle of Baltimore, the Civil War and the First World War. These highly informative displays tell fascinating stories, including that of the gunpowder store, which astonishingly managed to survive an intensive bombing raid. You can tour the barracks and officers’ quarters, take in the cannons aiming out over the bay and start to imagine how those battles must have looked and sounded some 200 years ago. You can also take part in the changing of the flag ceremony. The replica flag, with its fifteen stars and fifteen stripes, is so large that it needs several people to fold it!
Situated on the edge of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is easily accessible by car, water taxi or shuttle bus. It is open every day and offers extended opening hours during summer. You can guide yourself around the site or ask one of the volunteer guides to show you around. The entrance fee is relatively cheap and tickets are valid for one week. Children under 16 get in free.
