Baltimore, Maryland
2400 East Fort Avenue
GPS coordinates: 39.263277,-76.579921
Take a photo of your rally flag with the above image.

Built with brick and mortar, Fort McHenry's star-shaped construction is not quite as evident from ground level as the aerial view, but the design meant that the fort could be manned with as few as five lookouts. Each point on the star is visible by the two points on either side. Construction began in 1798 on the masonry walls of the Fort McHenry we see today. However, it was constructed on the site of a star-shaped earthworks fortification, named Fort Whetstone, hastily built during the American Revolution.

Named for George Washington's Secretary of War, James McHenry, a physician and soldier in the American Revolution, Fort McHenry was one of a series of forts built along America's coastline at the close of the 18th century as Britain and France engaged in the Napoleonic Wars. During the War of 1812, – only two weeks after the British captured Washington, D.C., and burned the White House – Britain made its move on Baltimore. However, after a two-day naval and land engagement U.S. forces and the prepared citizenry of Baltimore forced the British to retreat.

During bombardment of Fort McHenry, prominent Maryland lawyer Francis Scott Key, watched from aboard a British ship. He was inspired by the victory to write a poem later set to music and titled "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Hours: Daily, 8am-5pm (Fort and Visitor Center close 15 minutes prior to grounds.)
Summer Hours (June to September): Fort and Visitor Center hours remain the same but grounds are open until 8pm.

Also in the area: If you're in the mood for a sitdown restaurant meal, consider a visit to the legendary G & M Restaurant in Lithicum Heights. The baked stuffed oysters with crabcakes on top are fit for King Neptune...maybe two King Neptunes! The restaurant is voted “Best Crabcakes” by many Baltimore and DC newspapers and magazines.

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Maryland is part of the Mid-Atlantic region and sponsored by Rey Buzon of Baltimore.