Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center
Address: 2400 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230
When British warships bombarded Fort McHenry through the night of September 13-14, 1814, Francis Scott Key watched from the harbor and wrote the poem that became 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' The star-shaped brick fort, built in 1798, defended Baltimore and later served through the Civil War and both World Wars.
Watch the flag change over the ramparts and explore the bombproofs and barracks; young kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge. For a challenge, walk the seawall trail around the point and study the harbor defenses that saved Baltimore.
Coordinates: 39.26550, -76.57960