Parks

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.

Field music on parade ground at Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry Celebrates its 100th Anniversary as a National Park

2025-02-25

On March 1–2, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine will celebrate its 100th anniversary as a national park with special ranger programs, living history, and the debut of new 100th anniversary museum exhibit “Fort McHenry: The Early Years” which highlights how Fort McHenry became part of the National Park Service and its history from 1925 to 1939. In the late 19th century, as the strategic value of the fort waned, its historical significance as the original “home of the brave” inspired the public to take action. On March 3, 1925, Congress designated Fort McHenry as “a national park and perpetual memorial shrine as the birthplace of the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’.” Join us this weekend to explore many generations of service at Fort McHenry from the Early Republic to World War II, and enjoy Baltimore’s hometown national park.

Marie Frías Sauter named Superintendent of Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

2024-12-19

National Park Service (NPS) Northeast Deputy Regional Director Kirsten Talken-Spaulding has selected Marie Frías Sauter as superintendent of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Hampton National Historic Site and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, all based in Baltimore. She begins her new role early next year.