Homeschooling Day Trips: Fort McHenry

We recently had the opportunity to visit Baltimore for the first time. Baltimore is a city rich in history and adventure. Fort McHenry is an often overlooked gem of Baltimore. Fort McHenry is truly a national treasure, as it was here that Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the Star Spangled Banner during the war of 1812.

Visiting Fort McHenry was the highlight of our Baltimore trip. At the end of the short film in the visitors center, there is a great surprise. Adults and children will be not only surprised, but touched (I cannot tell you what the surprise is! It would ruin it! You have to visit Fort McHenry for yourself). Historical interpreters and National Park Rangers bring history to life for visitors all year. The National Park is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

During the Revolutionary War, Fort McHenry was known as Fort Whetstone. Whetstone Point was thought to be a strategic military site to protect Baltimore. A few cannon were mounted in the fort during the Revolutionary War, but were never fired. After the Revolutionary War, improvements were made to Fort Whetstone. In 1798, plans for a new fort at Fort Whetstone were drawn. The plans were expensive, but a well known politician helped raise money to build the fort. This politician was James McHenry, hence the new name given the fort.

During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key was held by a British ship in the Baltimore Harbor. During this battle on September 13, 1814, Francis Scott Key watched the bombardment of Fort McHenry and was inspired to write the Star Spangled Banner. After the War of 1812, Fort McHenry was improved, but was never again attacked.

Visitors will be pleased to see historical interpreters dressed in period clothing. These interpreters will explain the history of Fort McHenry and answer any questions fort guests may have. Our boys' favorite part of the Fort McHenry experience was the firing of the cannon. Soldiers dressed in period clothing fire the cannon just as it would have been fired during the War of 1812.