Old Glory at Fort McHenry
Baltimore, Maryland
Along the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Sitting at the edge of the Patapsco River leading into the Baltimore Harbor is a fort long-established to protect American freedom and rights from the British. The war of 1812 started between the Americans and the British in June 1812 as a result of increasing tensions between the two nations. Britain and France were battling on the high seas over trade access, and as a neutral country America transported goods for each side. When American ships were caught in a British blockade, the American sailors were often forced to serve the British in their cause. The British also were reluctant to leave the northern territories between Canadian and American lands and enlisted the support of the American Indian to attack American frontier forts.
By June 1812, Americans had become tired of their treatment by the British and declared war to protect “free trade and sailor’s rights,” and American rights on land. Many ship owners in the Baltimore Harbor saw this as an opportunity to become privateers and soon became known as a “Nest of Pirates” (source: National Park Service Fort McHenry).
Built between 1799 and 1802, Fort McHenry was reinforced in anticipation of a British attack. A new flag was commandeered by Major George Armistead that was so large that there was no mistaking the American Flag from a distance. The 30 foot high and 42 foot long flag was sewn by Baltimore flag maker Mary Pickersgill.
It is this flag that Francis Scott Key saw from a distance in the dawn’s early light while encaptured within the British fleet on the morning of September 14, 1814. The children from this school field trip are holding out a current flag made to the specifications of the original flag.
While wandering the grounds of Fort McHenry, we frequently stopped and spent time with the park rangers learning what we could of the history of the fort. Each one of them asked us “Have you seen the film?” or “You really need to see the film.” Fort McHenry now has a beautiful new visitor’s center which shows an 8-minute film that summarizes the Battle at Fort McHenry and the inspiration for the Star Spangled Banner.
We had to succumb to the frequent recommendations of the park rangers and returned to the visitor center to finally “See the Film.” Sitting in a large room with children running rampant, a large screen is high on the wall with a statue of Francis Scott Key facing the screen.
The movie quietly started providing an excellent history and background to the battle that transpired throughout the night of September 13, 2012. It then began to describe Francis Scott Key and how he had gone into the British fleet in attempts to retrieve a prisoner-of-war, but was held while the British bombed the fort overnight.
The morning fog began to clear and the Star Spangled Banner began to play – then the screen began to scroll up and there in the bright light we saw what Francis Scott Key saw. Old Glory flying high and proud over the fort. A moment that gave goosebumps and the thrill and excitement one gets when the strong feeling of patriotism overwhelms you.
All the children stood and gave homage to the American Flag and never have I ever felt such a strong sense of American pride.
Visiting the fort is a must-see and experiencing the film will have you walk away feeling proud to be an American.
For more information on Fort McHenry:
Categories: All about Hoofbeats & Footprints, Foot Prints, War of 1812
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Lovely – I can almost see the soldiers…
Great photoshots and a great story from you… 😉
Thank you so much Drake and appreciate your kind comments. Have a great weekend!
What a cool place – love your photos – thanks for sharing! Have a Great Weekend:)
Thanks Renee ! Hope you have a wonderful weekend also.
& here’s a familiar tune, before Mr. Key got hold of it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9lYC0lBfkA
Thank you for this link, Emily. It’s all fascinating and you have every right to be proud of your nation. We should all fight tyranny.
By the way, I’ve just sent you an email confirming the arrival of your beautiful print. Thank you very much. It really is a stunning image.
Oh I’m so excited you got the print quickly ! Thank you so much for your kindness and appreciate your friendship. 🙂
Likewise, 🙂