Management

On May 8, 2008, the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail (Trail) was designated through an amendment to the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241). The new Trail will consist of “water and overland routes totaling approximately 290 miles, extending from Tangier Island, Virginia, through southern Maryland, the District of Columbia, and northern Virginia, in the Chesapeake Bay, Patuxent River, Potomac River, and north to the Patapsco River, and Baltimore, Maryland, commemorating the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812 (including the British invasion of Washington, District of Columbia, and its associated feints, and the Battle of Baltimore in summer 1814).”

The National Park Service (NPS) is responsible for planning, developing and maintaining the Trail in partnership with other Federal, state and local governments, landowners, volunteer groups, and residents. According to the National Trails System Act, the NPS is responsible for encouraging communities, land owners, and volunteers to participate in planning, development and maintenance of the Trail; consulting with landowners and federal, state and local agencies in administration of the Trail; and--subject to funding--providing interpretive programs and service and technical assistance to carry out preservation and development of the Trail and to provide education relating to the War of 1812.

The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is headquartered at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, MD.

General Laws and Proclamations

Enabling Legislation from 2007. An enabling legislation document is a law passed by Congress that officially creates a national park and sets the rules for how it should be managed and protected.

Learn more about the Trail's designating legislation (P.L. 110-229)

Learn more about the National Trails System Act of 1968.

 

 

 

Planning

• 

  Comprehensive Management Plan

  This plan describes how NPS and its partners prioritize resource protection, education and interpretation, visitor experience improvements.

• 

  Feasibility Study

  A 2004 feasibility study demonstrated that the proposed Star-Spangled Banner Trail met the national trail eligibility criteria.

• 

  Interpretive Plan

  The Trail's Interpretive Plan provides a foundation for developing meaningful trail experiences for a range of trail users.

• 

  Lower Susquehanna River Segment Plan

  This segment plan highlights interpretation, conservation, and public access for the lower Susquehanna River area.

• 

  Potomac River Segment Plan

  This plan outlines ways to enhance the resident and visitor experience to the tidal Potomac River.