Battle of Baltimore
Baltimore and Fort McHenry, Maryland, USA
What happened
American forces under Major General Samuel Smith, with Major George Armistead commanding Fort McHenry, fought a British army under Major General Robert Ross and a fleet under Vice Admiral Alexander Cochrane. In the War of 1812, the British moved against Baltimore. On land, American militia slowed the British advance at North Point, where General Ross fell. At sea, British warships bombarded Fort McHenry for about 25 hours, but the fort held, and the British withdrew.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It stopped the British attack on Baltimore. Watching the fort's flag still flying at dawn inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became 'The Star-Spangled Banner'.
What came next
The British fleet sailed south and later fought at New Orleans. Congress made 'The Star-Spangled Banner' the national anthem in 1931.
Did you know?
The fort's huge flag, 30 by 42 feet, was sewn by Mary Pickersgill and her 13-year-old daughter.
Timeline
- 1798-1800Fort McHenry is built.
- 12 September 1814The Battle of North Point; General Ross falls.
- 13-14 September 1814Fort McHenry withstands the British bombardment.
- 1931'The Star-Spangled Banner' becomes the national anthem.