Press Kit

Aerial View of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Maryland Governor's Office

As “The Birthplace of the National Anthem,” Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine commemorates the successful defense of Fort McHenry from British attack during the War of 1812. This defense saved the city of Baltimore from destruction and inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the song “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The historic star fort, statues, and commemorative markers connect visitors with this remarkable story.

Fort McHenry commemorates the service of generations of the nation’s defenders. The fort continued to serve as an active army post during the American Civil War and throughout the 19^th century. During World War I, the US Army established one of the largest hospitals in the United States on the fort’s grounds serving over 30,000 soldiers and veterans, and during World War II, the US Coast Guard operated a training station at Fort McHenry to instruct over 26,000 Coast Guard personnel in firefighting and harbor patrol.

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Fort McHenry Guard living history volunteers bring the fort to life.

NPS/Tim Ervin

Fort McHenry by the Numbers

Resources

• 43 total acres
• 10 acres of earthworks
• 7 historic structures
• 1 Visitor and Education Center
• 1 mile recreation trail
• 88 commemorative features
• 16,200 museum collection items

Funding: Fiscal Year 2024

• $4.6 million annual budget
• $690,000 collected in recreational fees. Learn how fees are used to improve the park experience.
• $7.2 million deferred maintenance and repairs
• $28.8 million in visitor spending generated in local gateway regions (2023)

Visitor Services 2024

• 394,175 recreational visits

Volunteers-In-Parks

• In 2024, 109 Volunteers-In-Parks (VIPs) supported park operations by donating 7,690 hours to visitor services, living history programs, and maintenance projects.

 

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Permits

National parks are great places to celebrate historic events and family milestones. The types of activities that take place in national parks are diverse, such as sporting events, celebrations, festivals, family reunions, and picnics. Depending on the size and complexity of the planned event, the park may require you obtain a special use permit. To learn more, visit our Permits and Commercial Use Authorizations page.

 

"Orpheus with the Awkward Foot" monument to Francis Scott Key and Baltimore's Defenders

NPS/Tim Ervin

Historic Timeline

1776: Fort Whetstone, a star-shaped earthen redout is constructed to defend Baltimore's harbor during the American Revolution.

1794: Coastal Fortifications Act funds improvements to harbor defenses.

1805: Newly constructed star fort named in honor of Secretary of War James McHenry.

1814: Fort McHenry's defenders withstand a 25-hour bombardment by the Royal Navy during the Battle of Baltimore, and inspire Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."

1861 - 1865: Fort McHenry is the headquarters of U.S. Army operations establishing martial rule in and around Baltimore, and detaining political prisoners and prisoners of war.

1898: Maryland National Guardsman train to prepare for service in the Spanish-American War.

1889: First mock bombardment takes place to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Baltimore.

1902: The popular movement to preserve Fort McHenry begins.

1912: 141st Company Coast Artillery Corps departs Fort McHenry without fanfare.

1912: Maryland Congressman J. Charles Linthicum introduces legislation to create a national monument to Francis Scott Key.

1917: U.S. Army General Hospital No. 2 established at Fort McHenry to treat soldiers returning from World War I.

1925: Public Law 68-543 is signed by President Calvin Coolidge establishing Fort McHenry National Park.

1931: "The Star-Spangled Banner" officially becomes the national anthem of the United States.

1933: National Park Service assumes stewardship of the park.

1939: Redesignated Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.

1942: U.S. Coast Guard establishes Fort McHenry Training Station to prepare Coast Guardsmen for service during World War II.