National Parks:
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Baltimore, Maryland -- This late 18th century star-shaped fort is world famous as the birthplace of the American National Anthem. The valiant defense of Fort McHenry by American forces during a British attack on September 13-14, 1814, inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner." Following the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, the fort never again came under attack. However, it remained an active military post for most of the next 100 years.

Exhibits of historical and military memorabilia interpreting the fort's long and varied history are displayed in the restored barracks and Visitor Center. Come, stroll the ramparts and hear the crack of the Star-Spangled Banner as it snaps in the breeze high above the parade ground. See the popular movie and sing along with the U.S. Naval Academy Choir the inspiring lines of Francis Scott Key's song.

DID YOU KNOW

• During the Civil War, the fort was occupied by Union forces who used it as a prison camp for the detention of Confederate soldiers, Southern sympathizers, and political prisoners.
• From 1917 until 1923, U.S. Army General Hospital No. 2 served World War I troops.
• A portion of the park was used as a U.S. Coast Guard training facility during World War II.
• Fort McHenry National Park was established by the U.S. War Department in 1925, and became part of the National Park System in 1933.
• "The Star-Spangled Banner" became our National Anthem in 1931.
• In 1939, the park was designated Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the only park in the country to have this double distinction.
• Every year, more than 300 volunteers donate in excess of 27,000 hours to Fort McHenry. Jim Peters was awarded the 2003 George B. Hartzog Award for the best individual volunteer in the NPS.
• The Fort McHenry Guard, the park's living history military unit, occupies the fort on summer weekends and brings life back to the old post.

DON'T MISS ATTRACTIONS

• Park staff and volunteers are reconstructing a portion of the "Water Battery." Visitors will have a better understanding of the fort's 1814 outer defenses and their use during the British assault. The project began with a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network and was augmented with park fee funds.
• Numerous special events include: Living American Flag Day, Flag Day; Tattoo Ceremonies; and Defenders' Day - The Star-Spangled Banner Weekend.
• The surprise ending of the park film and the theatre with a view of the flag.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PRIORITIES

• Planning for a new education/administration center is underway. Public meetings are being held to discuss the new center and alternative transportation options. A larger building and additional parking are needed to serve the increasing number of visitors and school children.
• Planning has started for the bicentennial celebration of the War of 1812 covering the years 2012 through 2014.
• Work continues on new exhibits in the fort. The next exhibit will feature the importance of archeology in telling the fort's story.
• A Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail study continues. If approved, the trail will commemorate the events of the 1814 Chesapeake Campaign during the War of 1812.

Source: National Park Service