Fort McHenry, Baltimore
Where the banner stood in the dawn’s early light.
James McHenry was an American statesman, physician, and patriot of the Revolutionary era who later served as the United States Secretary of War. Fort McHenry was named in his honor and became forever linked to the War of 1812 and the defense of Baltimore Harbor during the British bombardment of 1814.
Major George Armistead commanded the fort during the bombardment. His name still echoes quietly through parts of Baltimore—in streets, neighborhoods, and the lingering memory of a city shaped by harbor smoke, cannon fire, and legends still retold by my friend George.
Through smoke, cannon fire, and storm-darkened skies, the fort endured through the night — inspiring the words that would become The Star-Spangled Banner, a lasting symbol of American resilience and survival.
