Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Civilian cooking at Fort McHenry
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is a collection of sites impacted by the War of 1812. These local, historic sites tell the story of the Chesapeake Campaign, culminating in the writing of our National Anthem. In addition to their historic significance, many of the sites along the trail are fantastic places to go for a walk, explore the outdoors, and access local waterways.
Map showing location of park.
couple walks along trail beside cherry blossoms
Fort McHenry Celebrates Cherry Blossoms’ Peak Bloom—and how Baltimore Blossoms with Places to Explore
The National Park Service projects peak bloom for cherry blossoms at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine to fall between April 3—5, depending on the weather conditions. The park will celebrate the start of spring by inviting visitors to learn about the many historic sites and local attractions in and around Baltimore.
Visitors helping to raise the Star-Spangled Banner
Tourism to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine contributes $38.6 million to local economy
A new National Park Service report shows that 394,000 visitors to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in 2024 spent $27.7 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $38.6 million.
A tall ship sails on the water.
Photo by Pride of Baltimore, Inc.
Image of a large historic house with green lawn in foreground.
Photo by Frank Greenwell
A close-up of the White House portico.
Photo by NPS/ T. Adams
A person in a yellow kayak paddles through lotus blossoms.
Photo by Sultana Education Foundation/Chris Cerino
People in 18th century period clothing standing in a line and firing muskets.
Photo by Office of the Governor/Jay Baker