Baltimore Travel Guide

Fort McHenry

The Fort McHenry National Monument will forever be associated with America's national anthem, written by the poet Francis Scott Key while watching the British attack Baltimore during the War of 1812. After more than 25 hours of non-stop bombing by the British naval forces in an unsuccessful attempt to stop America gaining independence, the fort still stood with the huge American flag flying high. It was the only action the brick fort had seen in more than 100 years of guarding the water approach to Baltimore. A visit to the fort includes a short historical film 'The Defence of Fort McHenry', and a guided tour with exhibits in the various quarters recalling the siege and the fort's Civil War service. On summer weekends military ceremonies and drills are performed, as well as a living history program simulating the daily activities during the battle. The monument and its grounds are a national park and visits to the parklands are free. There is also a daily changing of the flag cerem
Address: 2400 East Fort Avenue
Website: www.nps.gov/fomc
Email: fomc_superintendent@nps.gov
Telephone: (410) 962 4290
Transportation: MTA bus 1, or water taxi tour from Inner Harbor
Opening Time: Fort and Visitor's Center open daily from 8am-4:45pm. Grounds open 8am-5pm.
Admission: $7, valid for seven days; free for children under 15.