A large American flag waved over the brick sallyport of an old fort. — A star-spangled banner still gallantly streaming o'er the ramparts of Fort McHenry NPS/ Tim Ervin

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

National Monument · Maryland · National Park Service

by the dawn's early light, a large red, white and blue banner? Whose broad stripes and bright stars... were so gallantly streaming...over Fort McHenry! The valiant defense of the fort during the Battle of Baltimore on September 13-14, 1814 inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that became the U.S. national anthem. The fort's history holds many other stories too, from the Civil War to WWII.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone: 4109624290
Official site: www.nps.gov
Managed by: National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: Architecture and Building · African American Heritage · American Revolution · Archeology · Ruins · Arts · Poetry and Literature · Sculpture · Birthplace · Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite · National Cemetery · Commerce · Trade · Engineering · Enslavement · Forts · Great Depression · Incarceration · Jails and Prisons · Maritime · Coastal Defenses · Maritime - Military · Piracy and Privateering · Ships and Shipwrecks · Medicine · Hospital · Military · Infantry and Militia · Artillery · US Army · US Navy · US Marines · US Coast Guard · US Air Force (Army Air Corps) · Armories · Battlefields · Monuments and Memorials · Music · Presidents · Reconstruction · Science, Technology and Innovation · Social Movements · Civil Rights · Voting Rights and Suffrage · Transportation · Bridges · Tunnels · Trains and Railroads · Wars and Conflicts · Colonial/European Contact Conflicts · American Revolutionary War · War of 1812 · Mexican War · Civil War · Spanish-American War · World War I · World War II · Women's History · Animals · Birds · Watersheds · Waterfalls · Wetlands · Marshes

Activities & features: Arts and Culture · Craft Demonstrations · Cultural Demonstrations · Live Music · Theater · Biking · Road Biking · Compass and GPS · Geocaching · Food · Picnicking · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Walking · Hands-On · Citizen Science · Arts and Crafts · Hiking · Living History · Reenactments · Historic Weapons Demonstration · First Person Interpretation · Paddling · Kayaking · Junior Ranger Program · Skiing · Cross-Country Skiing · Downhill Skiing · Wildlife Watching · Birdwatching · Park Film · Museum Exhibits · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store · Gift Shop and Souvenirs