Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Have you ever listened to the Star Spangled Banner? I know you’ve probably heard it many times before, but have you actually listened to the words? After our recent visit to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine I can’t help but imagine what must have been happening that night in Baltimore Harbor. One visit and you’ll be happy you toured this national treasure.

Fort McHenry is the birthplace of the National Anthem. It is located in Baltimore, Maryland which made it an easy day trip from our home in Northern Virginia. Here you’ll learn about the fort’s role in the War of 1812 and how it was successfully defended from an attack by the British navy September 13-14, 1814.

 There is an entrance fee to the historic area of the park. It’s $10.00 for adults 16 years of age and older and children 15 and younger are free. The fee provides a seven-day entrance permit, although it’s an easy place to visit within two or four hours depending on how much reading and photography you enjoy. We used our National Parks Pass so our family was able to get in without any immediate costs. We returned about two months later (July 2) when family was in town for a visit and were surprised to see there were reenactors giving various demonstrations, which rangers said are scheduled during the summer season. It was much busier than our previous visit but not overly crowded. 

Once inside the visitor center we made our way through the exhibit and sat down to watch the movie. You’re going to want to stay for the ending…no spoilers here. The movie only lasts about 10 or 15 minutes but tells the story of Francis Scott Key and the historical significance or Fort McHenry.

At that point we were ready for lunch so we exited the building and sat on a bench near the water for a picnic. There are multiple spots that would make for a good picnic so I highly recommend bringing lunch with you. Even if you don’t pack a picnic, bring water with you as bottled water seems to sell out fast. You may want to bring a light blanket to set down if the benches are taken.

Looking out towards the water and modern day bridge you can almost picture Francis Scott Key out there, watching the “bombs bursting in air” and waking up to see that “the flag was still there.” Seriously, I have chills and you will too. It’s worth visiting. Not only will you gain a new perspective on a song you’ve heard for years, you’ll get some cool pictures of your kids posing with George Armistead, commander of Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore.

As mentioned earlier, they offer various demonstrations during the summer season. Our favorite was the cannon demonstration but the girls also loved trying on clothes commonly worn during that time.

I have one final tip for all you history buffs and souvenir lovers. If you bring your own flag or purchase one in the gift shop a ranger will help you fly your flag over Fort McHenry. The visitor center will give you a certificate that the flag was flown at Fort McHenry. Now how cool is that?