Battle of Baltimore

Park Event · Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine · Jun 8, 2026 – Sep 30, 2026 · 2:15 PM–3:00 PM

Join rangers for a 45-60 minute program and learn about one of the most pivotal battles of the War of 1812 while walking the historic grounds.

Along the way, hear about how the fort withstood a 25-hour storm of rockets and exploding shells, blocking the British fleet from entering Baltimore Harbor. This defiant stand, witnessed by lawyer Francis Scott Key, inspired the verses that became “The Star-Spangled Banner".

Source: National Park Service (public domain).