Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

British ships bombarded Fort McHenry for about 25 hours on September 13 and 14, 1814. Francis Scott Key watched from a truce ship as the fort's 30-by-42-foot garrison flag remained visible, then drafted the words that became “The Star-Spangled Banner.”The visitor center, grounds, and parking have different access rules from the ticketed Star Fort. Visitors 16 and older pay to enter the fort. Weekend hours run later in summer, seasonal schedules change, and the entrance gates close strictly at the posted time. More

British ships bombarded Fort McHenry for about 25 hours on September 13 and 14, 1814. Francis Scott Key watched from a truce ship as the fort's 30-by-42-foot garrison flag remained visible, then drafted the words that became “The Star-Spangled Banner.”The visitor center, grounds, and parking have different access rules from the ticketed Star Fort. Visitors 16 and older pay to enter the fort. Weekend hours run later in summer, seasonal schedules change, and the entrance gates close strictly at the posted time. More