• The Garrison Flag flies over Fort McHenry.

    Fort McHenry

    National Monument and Historic Shrine Maryland

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  • Summer Hours: May 25-September 2, 2013

    Park: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Star Fort: 9 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. Visitor Center: 9 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.

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."

Features

  • Memorial Day at Fort McHenry

    Memorial Day Activities

    MONDAY, MAY 27, 10:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. — Join National Park Service Rangers for a daylong program of Memorial Day observances.

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  • Cover Page for Long May It Wave Lesson Plans

    Long May It Wave

    The Friends of Fort McHenry present a national curriculum on the War of 1812 and Fort McHenry for grades 4 through 8.

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  • US Navy Tattoo

    US Navy Tattoo and 1812 Living History Weekend

    Saturday, June 1, 2013, 6pm - 8pm our first Tattoo of the year featuring the United States Navy. Fort McHenry Guard Living History Weekend June 1 & 2

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  • Fort McHenry Guard

    Fort McHenry Guard - Defenders Return to the Fort!

    SUMMER WEEKENDS - BEGINNING JUNE 1-2, 11:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. — Drills, barracks activities, artillery and musket firing demonstrations.

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  • Fife and Drum Camp June 2013

    War of 1812 Fife and Drum Camp June 2013

    Registration now posted for War of 1812 Fife and Drum Camp, due by May 31, 2013. Students instructed in 1812 era Fife and Drum music and more!

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  • Hold The Fort

    HOLD THE FORT!

    A game of survival, strategy & nerve in the War of 1812! Try your skill and Hold the Fort!

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  • cast your vote

    Cast Your Vote!

    It is May 1812. America is on the brink of war. What do you think of the issues — and the decision to go to war?

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  • NPS Social Media Logo

    Follow Us

    Stay connected with what is happening on both Facebook and Twitter...

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  • The busses arrive at Fort McHenry.

    Group Arrangements

    Fort McHenry is a great place for a group visit. Start your planning now for a successful trip.

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Did You Know?

An aerial view of the students forming the Living American Flag.

Each May, 3,500 to 4,500 school children create the "Living American Flag" at Fort McHenry. The program is sponsored by The American Flag Foundation, Inc. More...