Locust Point Industrial Area in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Pivotal Battle
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
| | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | |
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
1. A Pivotal Battle Marker
British ships launched an attack on Fort McHenry early on September 13, 1814. The fort defended the water approach to the city of Baltimore. The future of the city and possibly the United States depended on the outcome. After the American defeat at Bladensburg, and the British capture and partial burning of Washington, D.C. a loss here would be devastating.
Francis Scott Key witnessed the 25-hour bombardment. At "dawn's early light" on September 14th, the shelling stopped; the British attack had failed. As the enemy fleet withdrew down the Patapsco River, the defenders hoisted a huge 30x42-foot American flag. The sight of the flag inspired Key to write the words that would become America's national anthem.
"And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave, O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave." Third stanza "The Star Spangled Banner"
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1814.
Location. 39° 15.925′ N, 76°
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome! You Are Now "On Post" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Heritage of Courage The Society of the War of 1812 (about 300 feet away); Armistead (about 400 feet away); O'er the Ramparts We Watch! (about 400 feet away); Evolution of Fort McHenry (about 500 feet away); Preservation of Earthworks (about 500 feet away); A Vast Hospital Once Stood Here (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Remember 1814 (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
2. War in the Chesapeake
During the War of1812 the young United States was embroiled in conflict with Great Britain. From 1812 to 1815 Americans fought to protect their rights and economic independence. They faced superior enemy forces on the homefront and the high seas.
The strategically important Chesapeake Bay region felt the brunt of the war, choked by shipping blockades and ravaged by enemy raids. The events in this region were crucial to the outcome ofthe war.
Though there was no clear victor at the end ofthe war, the United States protected its democracy and emergedwith heightened stature on the world stage.
The strategically important Chesapeake Bay region felt the brunt of the war, choked by shipping blockades and ravaged by enemy raids. The events in this region were crucial to the outcome ofthe war.
Though there was no clear victor at the end ofthe war, the United States protected its democracy and emergedwith heightened stature on the world stage.
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
3. O! say can you see
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail traces the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake. Along the trail you'll encounter tangible evidence of the war and stories that bring people and events to life. Discover the far-reaching impacts of the war on this country and the world.
Explore the Trail
* Drive through rural landscapes and historic communities
* Paddle or cruise waterways where British and American Troops once traveled
* Witness battles at reenactment events
* Hike or bike trails with stops at historic sites and scenic overlooks
* Join in commemorative events throughout the region
Explore the Trail
* Drive through rural landscapes and historic communities
* Paddle or cruise waterways where British and American Troops once traveled
* Witness battles at reenactment events
* Hike or bike trails with stops at historic sites and scenic overlooks
* Join in commemorative events throughout the region
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 22, 2023
4. A Pivotal Battle Marker
This view of the three-paneled kiosk shows the A Pivotal Battle Marker.
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
5. A Pivotal Battle Marker
The marker is part of a 3 panel kiosk.
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, August 6, 2016
6. The Star Spangled Banner, 1912 by Percy Moran
"And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave, O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave." — Third stanza "The Star Spangled Banner"
This 1912 painting by Edward Percy Moran hangs in the Star Spangled Banner Flag House and Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.
This 1912 painting by Edward Percy Moran hangs in the Star Spangled Banner Flag House and Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,104 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 2, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 2, 3. submitted on August 9, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4. submitted on May 2, 2023, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on December 2, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 6. submitted on August 9, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
