• The Garrison Flag flies over Fort McHenry.

    Fort McHenry

    National Monument and Historic Shrine Maryland

  • Seawall Trail Closing

    Due to the activity of the Star-Spangled200 Sailabration, the Seawall Trail may be closed at any time during June 12 - June 20. We apologize for any inconvenience.

  • CSX Bridge Closed - Fort Avenue

    Fort Avenue is closed at the CSX Bridge - use the detour instructions in Directions to reach the fort.

O! say can you see,...

by the dawn's early light, a large red, white and blue banner? Whose broad stripes and bright stars . . . were so gallantly streaming! over the star-shaped Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore, September 13-14, 1814. The valiant defense of the fort inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Did You Know?

An aerial view of Fort McHenry.

Fort McHenry was built prior to the War of 1812. The fort is named for James McHenry, Secretary of War, 1796-1800.