The Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is one of the most popular attractions in Baltimore.
Critical events changed the course of history here, when the fort’s soldiers successfully saved Baltimore from British attack in 1812. Inspired by the sight of the star-spangled banner waving over the fort after the attack, Francis Scott Key was moved to write the US national anthem.
Audio-visual displays fill in the history at the visitor center, and self-guided tours of the fort link to daily flag programs.
Events at the fort during the year include twilight military tattoo ceremonies, musket demonstrations, National Flag Day, concerts and the Star-Spangled Banner Weekend.
The Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is 3 miles (5 km) south-east of the Inner Harbor, just off the I-95 Highway.
Boats and water taxis run to the fort from the harbor.
