Oh say can you see the sights from Fort McHenry

When Baltimore Orioles fans gather at Camden Yards to sing the national anthem, their words reverberate with extra meaning through the streets of Charm City.

This isn't just because of the signature “O’s!” that spectators shout during the penultimate line, but because the poem on which the song is based was written just down the street at Fort McHenry—now a historic waterfront park on the Patapsco River.

During the War of 1812, the British Navy sailed into Baltimore via the Chesapeake Bay, hoping to capture one of the United States’ fast-growing cities. On September 13 and 14, British warships launched a heavy bombardment against Fort McHenry. Despite the relentless cannon fire, a massive American flag flew overhead throughout the night as American forces successfully fended off the assault.

Francis Scott Key observed the battle from a truce ship nearby. Inspired by the sight of the flag still waving at dawn, he penned the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry," which was later set to music and became "The Star-Spangled Banner"—the American national anthem.

Today, visitors are welcome to explore the fort and enjoy the surrounding park in the upper Chesapeake Bay. For a fee, guests can tour the historic star-shaped fort itself or enjoy the open grounds. The paved, one-mile trail that circles the peninsula and grassy spots in between offer sweeping views of the river, with cruise ships, shipping boats and sailboats drifting calmly along the water. Bring a pair of binoculars for bird watching or to study the urban skyline on the other side of the river. 

Be sure to stop by the visitor center to watch an inspiring 10-minute film chronicling the Battle of Baltimore. At the film's conclusion, the screen rises to reveal a stunning, real-time view of the flag flying over Fort McHenry as "The Star-Spangled Banner" plays.