Take a trip back in time along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail to hundreds of sites throughout Maryland that invite you to explore the story of the War of 1812. From the ramparts of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine to the site of the Battle of Bladensburg, the State is dotted with the rich history of the war that forged our nation.
A few of the highlights are listed below. Find more 1812 sites in Maryland with the searches to the left or use the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, Byway or Map and Guide for travel suggestions. Group tour itineraries are also available.
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Bladensburg Waterfront Park Scene where the British crossed the Anacostia River and encountered the first line of American defense during the invasion of Washington, D.C. |
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Concord Point Lighthouse British forces bombarded and burned the town of Havre de Grace. After the raid, local resident John O'Neill was honored for bravely fighting the British and made keeper of the lighthouse. |
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Fell’s Point Baltimore's shipyards, warehouses and privateers were primary targets of the British in September 1814. |
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Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine Site of the Battle of Baltimore on September 14, 1814, that led to the penning of the Star-Spangled Banner. |
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Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum The waters surrounding the park were the site of the Battl(s) of St. Leonard Creek, the largest naval battle on Maryland waters. |
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Maryland Historical Society Displays an original draft of Francis Scott Key’s poem that became the National Anthem and other significant Maryland artifacts. |
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North Point State Park British forces landed 4,500 troops near here on September 12, 1814 to begin the land invasion of Baltimore. |
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Patterson Park Site where American defenders stopped the advance of British forces on September 13, 1814. |
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Pride of Baltimore II Reproduction of a Maryland topsail schooner used by American privateers to harass the British merchant fleet. Pride II is berthed at Baltimore's Inner Harbor when she is not sailing the world as Maryland's Goodwill Ambassador. |
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Star-Spangled Banner Flag House Home and place of business of Mary Pickersgill, the woman who created the Star-Spangled Banner flag that flew over Fort McHenry. |
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Todd’s Inheritance Historic homestead that served as an American courier station and troop headquarters |
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U.S. Naval Academy and Museum Displays important War of 1812 objects such as the original Don’t Give Up the Ship pennant and the British flag captured at Fort York (Toronto). |