ABOUT THE TRAIL -nle nne A From Perilous Fight To ‘Proudly We Hailed’ YOUR STAR-SPANGLED ADVENTURE STARTS HERE trip along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail reveals the dramatic story and milestones of a defining moment in America’s development as a nation. In a mere 560 miles (give or take a few sidetracks), guests can easily follow trail signs and explore places on the Chesapeake Bay that were pivotal to the outcome of the War of 1812. • Spread out a picnic blanket on the waterfront at Fort McHenry after helping to raise the flag with a National Park Service ranger. Now is a great time to get started on your adventure. Events and travel enhancements are at the ready to help you uncover America’s story and celebrate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. Excitement surrounding Star-Spangled Spectacular (Sept. 10-16, 2014), as well as other commemorative events from Leonardtown and St. Leonard to Bladensburg and Fairlee, has propelled the War of 1812 Chesapeake Campaign into the national spotlight. The trail follows convenient land routes and boater-friendly waterways linking sites in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Historic landmarks, parks, museums and visitor centers all help to interpret events from 200 years ago: • Follow the British march toward Washington with a scenic driving tour of Southern Maryland. • Paddle the wetlands where Commodore Joshua Barney’s U.S. Chesapeake Flotilla eluded an enemy blockade. • Gaze upon the original Star-Spangled Banner Flag at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. • See the historic parchment on which Francis Scott Key penned the words to our national anthem at the Maryland Historical Society. • Take a bike ride and experience the small-town charm of Havre de Grace and St. Michaels while seeing places impacted by British raids. USING THIS GUIDE You can start your Star-Spangled journey at numerous places — the choice is yours. But to assist your trip planning, we have divided the trail into four geographical regions: Southern Maryland, the Washington, D.C., region, the Eastern Shore and Baltimore & Vicinity. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine – Baltimore. Star-Spangled Banner Travel Guide | 9
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