Fort McHenry

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5.00

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Description

Fort McHenry, in Baltimore, Maryland, is a star shaped fort best known for its role in the War of 1812, when it successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British navy in Chesapeake Bay. It was during this bombardment of the fort that Francis Scott Key was inspired to write The Star-Spangled Banner, the poem that would eventually be turned into the national anthem of the United States. [1]

Some of the buildings of the fort have been restored and you may walk into many of them. The fort is on the water and you can walk around it or sit on the benches along the path. There are also picnic tables. They ceremoniously raise and lower the flag during the day.

Tips

Entrance fees cover admission to the historic fort. Grounds and Visitor Center are no charge areas.
There is free parking inside the park's grounds, but it can get full on holidays.
Tbe Visitors' Center has a cool film depicting the bombardment. There is a showing every 20 minutes, and it lasts for 10-15 minutes.

Hours Subject to change. Always verify.

Grounds: Daily, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Fort and Visitor Center: Daily, 8:00 A.M. to 4:45 P.M.

Summer Hours (June 2 to September 3, 2007):

Park: Daily, 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Star Fort: Daily, 8:00 A.M. to 7:45 P.M.
Visitor Center: Daily, 8:00 A.M. to 7:45 P.M.

Closed: Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and January 1.