Every American knows the song; this is where it happened. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine guards the entrance to Baltimore Harbor, the star-shaped fort whose garrison flag — flown through the British bombardment of September 13–14, 1814 — inspired Francis Scott Key to write ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’
The National Park Service keeps the fort beautifully: walk the sea walls where the defenders stood, tour the barracks and powder magazine, and time your visit for the flag change ceremonies, when rangers and visitors together raise and lower the great 30-by-42-foot replica banner. The visitor center’s film ends with a reveal — the curtain lifts on the fort itself, flag flying, as the anthem plays. It gets everyone.
Fort McHenry sits at 2400 East Fort Avenue in Locust Point, with picnic grounds spreading to the water. Hours and program schedules are at nps.gov/fomc. Go on a breezy morning when the big flag is flying.
