Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine - Baltimore, Maryland

Address:2400 East Fort Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland
Tel: (410) 962-4290

Come pay tribute to the only National Monument and Historic Shrine in the country! The Fort McHenry National Monument is the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner and the inspiration of Francis Scott Key.

Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner" in 1814 after witnessing the bravery exhibited by 1000 patriotic Americans who selflessly defended Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. Their strength stopped the British advance on Baltimore and helped save the United States from British defeat. Following the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, the Fort never again came under attack; it remained an active military post on and off for the next 100 years. Visitors to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine should begin at the Visitor Center and check out the short orientation film, "The Defense of Fort McHenry," shown three times per hour. Plan to spend about one hour taking a self-guided tour of the fort. And if visiting in the summer months, don't miss the daily ranger talks and weekend living history demonstrations in the Fort, including drill, musket and artillery demonstrations.

To get here, follow the brown Fort McHenry directions signs along all major routes to the park. From I-95 northbound or southbound, take exit 55/Key Highway. (You can also get to the Key Highway from Light Street from the Inner Harbor.) Follow Fort McHenry signs on Key Highway to Lawrence Street. Make a left on Lawrence Street and then a left on Fort Avenue and proceed one mile to the park. Pay your respects at this commemorative spot to the great men and women of our past who helped protect our country.