War of 1812 Bicentennial Baltimore
Fact Sheet
What to Do
While the American Revolution features more
prominently in history books, the War of 1812
(also known as America’s Second War of
Independence) served as the definitive end to
trade restrictions and British occupancy. As
America celebrates the bicentennial of the War
of 1812, Baltimore becomes a main attraction,
having played such a dominant role in the War.
American victory in Baltimore, in September of
1814, moved Francis Scott Key to write
The Star-Spangled Banner. This powerful
poem inspired troops to additional victories,
leading to a successful end of war treaty,
before becoming the United States
National Anthem. Fort McHenry, where Key
witnessed “the rockets red glare,” is one
of many Baltimore’s must-see destinations
commemorating the 1812 bicentennial. The
Star-Spangled Spectacular 2012 will kick-of
the national bicentennial in Baltimore’s Inner
Harbor in June 2012.
H Star-Spangled Banner Trail – Experience the events leading to the Battle
of Baltimore during the War of 1812. The 100-mile driving trail includes
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Maryland Historical
Society, Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, and Battle Monument.
www.starspangledtrails.org
H Defenders Day – The Star-Spangled Banner Weekend (September) –
This celebration at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
commemorates Baltimore’s successful defense against British invaders in
the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812. www.nps.gov/fomc
Where to Stay
In addition to well-known luxurious, traditional and moderate hotels, Baltimore
offers unique, charming, historical lodging options such as the Admiral Fell
Inn and the Inn at Henderson’s Wharf in historic Fell’s Point and the 1840s
Carrollton Inn in Jonestown. While in the heart of historic Federal Hill, in a
structure dating back to 1801, Scarborough Fair Bed & Breakfast offers
experience packages, including indulgent spa treatments.
War of 1812 Bicentennial Baltimore
Fact Sheet
War of 1812 Sites in Baltimore
H Fell’s Point – Baltimore’s shipyards, warehouses and
privateers were primary targets of the British in September
1814. www.fellspoint.us
H Federal Hill – overlooking the Inner Harbor, Federal Hill served
as a vital lookout from which to signal that British troops had
landed. Many watched the bombardment from Federal Hill.
www.historicfederalhill.org
H 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. In 2011, Fort
McHenry unveiled its new, state-of-the-art Visitor Center that
includes interactive exhibits and audiovisual presentations.
www.nps.gov/fomc
H Maryland Historical Society – Displays an original draft of
Francis Scott Key’s poem that became the National Anthem
and other significant War of 1812 and Maryland artifacts.
www.mdhs.org
H Old St. Paul’s Cemetery – Over 12 War of 1812 veterans are
buried at this cemetery, including Lt. Col. George Armistead.
Francis Scott Key was also buried here from 1843-1866
before he was reinterred at Mount Olivet Cemetery in
Frederick, MD.
H Patterson Park - Site where American defenders stopped the
advance of British forces on September 13, 1814.
www.pattersonpark.com
H 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. www.pride2.org
H 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.
www.flaghouse.org
H Wells and McComas Monument - This obelisk monument is
dedicated to Pvts. Daniel Wells and Henry McComas. Both
were killed during the Battle of North Point on September
12, 1814. Legend holds that these men killed British Major
General Robert Ross during the battle.
H Westminster Hall and Westminster Burying Ground Cemetery for numerous War of 1812 officers and veterans
including James McHenry, Samuel Smith, and John Stricker.
www.westminsterhall.org
CONTACT: MONEÉ COTTMAN TRAVEL MEDIA MANAGER 410-659-7301 [email protected]