Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Civilian cooking at Fort McHenry
For three years the young United States was embroiled in the War of 1812 and the Chesapeake Bay region felt the brunt of it, choked by shipping blockades and ravaged by enemy raids. Through sites and landscapes in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland, the Trail tells the stories of the events, people, and places that led to the birth of the U.S. national anthem.
Map showing location of park.
Living historians in War of 1812 uniforms and dress with Baltimore skyline
Fort McHenry Celebrates Baltimore’s Strength and Stories with Defenders’ Day Events
BALTIMORE —Join us the weekend of September 13—15th for special Defenders’ Day events commemorating the successful defense of Baltimore against British attack in 1814 and celebrating the stories, strength, and rich cultural diversity of the city. Celebrated since 1815, Defenders’ Day is Baltimore’s oldest holiday and this year’s activities highlight Baltimore’s history as a port city and its strength and unity during the War of 1812, and invite visitors to explore the arts and culture of modern Baltimore communities.
Overseer house in fall
Hampton National Historic Site seeks public input on substantial restoration project
On June 26, Hampton National Historic Site will host a public meeting to seek community input regarding the forthcoming Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund-supported restoration projects in the park. The meeting will take place in the Orangery at Hampton National Historic Site from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
A tall ship sails on the water.
Photo by Pride of Baltimore, Inc.
Image of a large historic house with green lawn in foreground.
Photo by Frank Greenwell
A close-up of the White House portico.
Photo by NPS/ T. Adams
A person in a yellow kayak paddles through lotus blossoms.
Photo by Sultana Education Foundation/Chris Cerino
People in 18th century period clothing standing in a line and firing muskets.
Photo by Office of the Governor/Jay Baker