Fort McHenry

As American troops in Fort McHenry successfully fended off attacks from the British navy during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write "The Star-Spangled Banner," a poem that eventually formed the lyrics of the American national anthem. Fort McHenry`s vibrant presentation and highlighted primary sources illustrate the fort`s vital role in the War of 1812, providing the context for the nation`s most famous song and explaining the importance of the fort as a national monument.