Fort McHenry National Monument

This is the historic fort that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the U.S. national anthem.

O! say can you see, by the dawn's early light, a large red, white and blue banner? Whose broad stripes and bright stars... were so gallantly streaming! over the star-shaped Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore, September 13-14, 1814. The valiant defense of the fort inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."

The park is three miles southeast of the Baltimore Inner Harbor and just off I-95. Follow the brown Fort McHenry directional signs along all major routes to the park. From I-95 northbound, take Exit 55 Key Highway and follow Fort McHenry signs. From I-95 southbound, as you approach the Fort McHenry Tunnel, move to the toll booths on the far right as you will be exiting immediately after emerging from the tunnel. Take Exit 55 Key Highway and follow the Fort McHenry signs USING LAWRENCE STREET AND NOT WOODALL , as your GPS or Mapquest might indicate.

From the Inner Harbor, take Light Street south to Key Highway. Turn left and follow the Fort McHenry signs to Lawrence Street. Turn right on Lawrence Street and then left on Fort Avenue to the park.

Explore Related Categories