Star-Spangled Banner

https://www.nps.gov/stsp/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star-Spangled_Banner_National_Historic_Trail The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, named after the United States national anthem, commemorates the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812. The 290-mile (467 km) trail consists of water and overland routes. The trail extends from Tangier Island, Virginia, through southern Maryland, the District of Columbia, the Chesapeake Bay, and Baltimore, Maryland. The trail also contains sites on Maryland's Eastern shore. Sites on the trail include towns raided and/or burned by the British, battles and engagements, museums, and forts. The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is a collection of sites impacted by the War of 1812. These local, historic sites tell the story of the Chesapeake Campaign, culminating in the writing of our National Anthem. In addition to their historic significance, many of the sites along the trail are fantastic places to go for a walk, explore the outdoors, and access local waterways. The Trail's headquarters is at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. The park is three miles southeast of the Baltimore Inner Harbor and just off I-95. Follow the brown Fort McHenry directional signs along all major routes to the park. From I-95 northbound, take Exit 55 Key Highway and follow Fort McHenry signs. To visit other trail locations, download a trail map. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine The trail has many points of entry and exploration along its auto route and water route. The visitor center at Fort McHenry serves as the trail's headquarters and visitor center. A short 10-minute orientation film is shown two times per hour. Restrooms, exhibits and a gift shop are also located in the building. The park is three miles southeast of the Baltimore Inner Harbor and just off I-95. Follow the brown Fort McHenry directional signs along all major routes to the park. From I-95 northbound, take Exit 55 Key Highway and follow Fort McHenry signs. PRIDE OF BALTIMORE II A tall ship sails on the water. The PRIDE OF BALTIMORE II is a sailing ambassador for the Trail. Historic Sotterley Image of a large historic house with green lawn in foreground. Historic Sotterley White House A close-up of the White House portico. British forces set fire to the original home of the U.S. president on August 26, 1814. Paddling on the Sassafras A person in a yellow kayak paddles through lotus blossoms. The Sassafras River Water Trail is one of the many paddle trails to explore along the Star-Spangled Banner Trail Living History at Fort McHenry People in 18th century period clothing standing in a line and firing muskets. Living history at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail e-Newsletter Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail, WARO quarterly e-newsletter War of 1812: Burning of the Sewall House Why did British troops burn down Robert Sewall's house on August 24, 1814? Summer 1814: American troops flee in humiliation, leaving Washington exposed In the hot, humid summer of 1814, British troops advanced on Washington, DC. Their only obstacle was American troops guarding the heights at Bladensburg, Maryland, ten miles outside the capital. After a brief battle, the Americans took flight in their most humiliating defeat of the war, and British troops captured Washington. British troops watch in foreground as city of Washington burns in background "At early dawn his eye was again greeted by the proudly-waving flag of his country" The British 1814 failure to capture Baltimore Harbor helped change the course of the War of 1812 and inspired the American national anthem. Illustration of British ships bombarding Fort McHenry "The first step was plunder without distinction" Americans living on the Chesapeake Bay paid a steep price for the War of 1812. Portrait of Admiral Cockburn with smoke of Washington burning behind Ten Tips for Visiting Fort Washington Park Follow these tips to make your visit to Fort Washington Park memorable. The grassy fort in front of a river Equality in the National Capital Area During the Revolution and War of 1812 The nation's pledge to liberty, justice and the pursuit of happiness is challenged by its legacy of enslavement and the empty promises offered to African Americans during their service in both the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. This timeline gives you a listing of events in the national capital area. A burning navy yard during the burning of Washington, War of 1812 Reflecting on 55 years of the National Trails System Act: A Journey Through the Establishment of National Scenic and Historic Trails In celebration of the 55th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, learn more about these significant trails and their history. Series: A Timeline of Resistance: The Perseverance of African Americans from the Revolutionary War to the Civil Rights Era The story of African American’s fight for equality did not begin or end with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. In the National Capital Area, dedicated activism and self-determination has been documented since the Revolutionary War through the present day. This series consists of six articles that outline distinct timelines of resistance and activism in the fight for freedom. A young African American girl gazes at the camera holding a banner for the March on Washington Indust-tree-ous Mapping Methods Tree mapping project at Fort McHenry NM & HS, Hampton NHS, Star-Spangled Banner NHT The Racial Integrity Act, 1924: An Attack on Indigenous Identity The Racial Integrity Act of 1924 banned interracial marriage in Virginia. It also required Virginians to register their race as either "white" or "colored." One of the many consequences of this discriminatory policy was the erasure of the Indigenous identity from public records. To this day, Indigenous people in Virginia have difficulty tracing their lineage due to this century-old policy. Walter Plecker sits in an office at a desk covered in files. From Contact to Present: Indigenous Chesapeake This timeline provides an overview of major historical events affecting the Chesapeake's Indigenous peoples since the time of European arrival. Beginning with the first interactions with Spanish explorers in the late 1500s and concluding in the present day, this timeline describes some of the major impacts of colonization on the Chesapeake's Indigenous communities. A man in a suit and hat stands next to a river with rowboat and fishing net. From being inspired to making a difference - A volunteer that was inspired by Hampton Phyllis is one of Hampton’s volunteers! She is very passionate and knowledgeable! Learn more about how much she helps! Phyllis standing near the Hampton Sign. Extra time in Retirement leads Perry to volunteer at Fort McHenry Perry is a very passionate volunteer that had extra time in retirement. He gives his free time to talk about the history at Fort McHenry with visitors. Volunteer Perry giving a flag talk to young visitors. Making Volunteering a Tradition - Burt & Jeff Burt has been a volunteer with the National Park Service for a couple decades. He is passionate and a hard worker. Jeff was inspired by Burt, who is his father, to begin volunteering as well. A picture of Bert and Jeff together. From Structures to Stories - How Tom began giving tours at Hampton NHS Highlighting one of our amazing and passionate volunteers, Tom Lonegro, and how he began giving tours at the Hampton Mansion. An elderly white male person, named Tom, standing in the dining room inside of the Hampton Mansion From Furniture to Families—A Volunteer’s View of Hampton National Historic Site Margaret is one of Hampton’s longest serving volunteers and has seen nearly 40 years of change in the park, its visitation, and how the site’s collection of historic structures and over 45,000-object collection are used to interpret the stories of those who lived and labored at the once 25,000-acre plantation. Picture of volunteer Margaret standing inside the mansion. From Fife to Family--A Living History Experience at Fort McHenry Randi is one of Fort McHenry’s longtime volunteers and music instructors. Two fifers in War of 1812 militia uniform with Randi in foreground Baltimore Area National Parks Dynamic Duo Volunteer Charles and maintenance team member Bud work together each week to keep the parks’ engines humming, to ensure the historic landscapes are beautiful and inviting to visitors, and habitats preserved for the animals that call its meadows and trees home. Volunteer Charles and Ranger Bud standing side-by-side. A Lifelong Connection to National Parks Interview with retired park ranger and volunteer Paul Plamann. Picture of Ranger Paul holding up a newspaper article about him. From looking to serve to finding yourself in the history - Bill's Volunteering with the NPS story Bill was inspired to help the NPS and learn something new along the way. He discovered that his family history coincides with the history of these parks. Ranger Phill, James, and Krista with Bill near the Battle Monument. A Passion that becomes a multi-decade service to the NPS Sailor Jerry is a volunteer that has passionately been serving at Fort McHenry since 2003. Learn more about his story Sailor Jerry talking to visitors about a rocket, near the water battery. Growing up loving history to becoming a volunteer Lou is one of our passionate and knowledgeable volunteers! Learn his story! VIP Lou giving a program to visitors outback of the Fort McHenry Visitor Center Baltimore Area Interns 2025 Interns are vital to the mission of the National Park Service by helping protect the landscapes, stories, and communities that shape our shared past and future. Baltimore Area Parks Climate Action Plan As a participant in the National Park Service (NPS) Climate Friendly Parks (CFP) program, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (FOMC), Hampton National Historic Site (HAMP), and Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail (STSP) belong to a network of parks nationwide that are putting climate friendly behavior at the forefront of park operations and resource management. This is the Baltimore Area Climate Action Plan (CAP). Baby fox sitting on a fox hill NPS/Ervin

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Chesapeake Bay Region Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC O! say can you see by the dawn’s early light . . . Patrick O’Brien/the Patricia Kummerow 1812 Memorial Fund Richard Schlect Test of a New Nation In 1812, the United States of America was less than 30 years old, and only one generation had been raised to adulthood under the American flag. Many people still personally remembered the daring and exhausting fight to win independence from Britain, pitting 13 allied colonies against the largest military force in the world. Gerry Embleton The conflict had launched a new nation, but in 1812 much was still taking shape. Americans were wary of a strong central government and grappled with questions about trade, slavery, and expansion. Washington City was a fledging capital. National defense was hotly debated and poorly funded. Then, war came again. Britain, at war with France, set policies that interfered with American trade. In need of men for their huge navy, the British boarded American vessels and seized men said to be British deserters. In the process, they forced thousands of American sailors into service. Along the Great Lakes and Northern Frontier, they united with American Indians to obstruct American expansion into disputed territory. The tension between Britain and America, still smoldering from the revolution, grew into flames. Some Americans wanted to strike back. Others cautioned against the human and financial costs of war. Britain had over 500 warships; America had 17. The nation was deeply and bitterly divided. On June 18, 1812, Congress finally declared war, but Americans continued to argue over the course of the nation. In Baltimore, a pro-war mob destroyed the offices of an anti-war newspaper, igniting riots that left dead and wounded in their wake. ©Don Troiani Gerry Embleton Riots erupted in Baltimore in response to an anti-war newspaper. Maryland Historical Society Over the next two years, British and American conflicts erupted from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. By the time the fighting ended, the war had propelled America into greater maturity as a nation. Having been tested against a world superpower, the states were now more truly “united.” Americans felt a stronger sense of collective identity and greater commitment to a robust, national military. And, by defending rights at sea and expansionist goals at home, America confirmed its entry on the international stage. The war also inspired two lasting symbols of pride—the StarSpangled Banner that flew in defiance of British attack and the national anthem that honors it. Armed Forces History, NMAH, Smithsonian Institution The bombardment of Fort McHenry inspired new lyrics to a popular tune. The tune was then re-named The Star-Spangled Banner and became the United States of America’s national anthem in 1931. Maryland militia at the Battle of North Point. War on the Chesapeake People lived in fear. When attacked, they faced a difficult choice: flee, cooperate, or stage civilian resistance to a far superior force. In Havre de Grace, the defense soon dwindled to one man, John O’Neill, who continued to fight until captured. In Georgetown, Kitty Knight confronted the British admiral herself and successfully spared both her home and that of her neighbor. The British occupied the Chesapeake Bay during the War of 1812 to disrupt trade, bring war to the center of the country, and draw troops from the north. After declaring a blockade on the bay in 1812, they established a base on Tangier Island and raided waterfront towns at will, burning homes, taverns, ships, and farms. Towns in Southern Maryland and along the upper bay were among the targets. In Virginia, the British sacked towns and raided plantations along the James, Rappahannock, and other rivers. Gerry Embleton Maryland Historical Society Enslaved people made bold decisions, too. The British promised freedom to those who fled slavery and joined British forces. At least seven hundred men, women, and children escaped. Most were taken to Tangier Island, where some of the men trained to fight their former masters. Richard Schlect Gerry Embleton Joshua Barney and the “Mosquito Fleet” In a daring plan to defend the Chesapeake, Commodore Joshua Barney organized a flotilla of nimble gun boats to bedevil the British on the bay’s shallow waters. Gerry Embleton In August 1814, the British trapped Barney’s “mosquito fleet” in the Patuxent River, where they battled on St. Leonard Creek. Then, trapped further upstream, Barney received orders to destroy the flotilla. As the barges exploded and sank, he and his men rushed on foot to help defend Washington. Dolley Madison and the Rescue of Washington’s Portrait Washington in Peril Modern visitors who ponder the portrait of George Washington in the White House can thank First Lady Dolley Madison for her determination. As