Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine was added to Your Favorites!
Baltimore, Maryland
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During the War of 1812, the defense of Fort McHenry inspired Francis Scott Key to write 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' which later became the national anthem of the United States.
During the Civil War, Fort McHenry served as a military prison for Confederate soldiers and political prisoners.
The fort is designed in a star shape, which was a common military fortification style in the 18th century to provide better defense against attacks.
In 1925, Fort McHenry was designated as a national park and later became a national monument and historic shrine in 1939.
Every morning, the park rangers raise a replica of the 15-star, 15-stripe flag that flew during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814.
Despite several attacks, including the famous bombardment during the War of 1812, Fort McHenry was never captured by enemy forces.
Defender's Day, celebrated every September, commemorates the successful defense of Baltimore and the writing of 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'
During World War I, Fort McHenry served as a military hospital for returning soldiers.
