Battle of Baltimore

The Battle of Baltimore, fought September 12-14, 1814, was the defining moment in the War of 1812. Following their devastating victory at Bladensburg the British forces burned the American capitol, Washington D.C. Riding on the shoulders of their success, British commanders now had their eyes set on the third largest city in the United States, the port city of Baltimore. The Battle of Baltimore that would follow combined a naval and land assault against American forces around the city. Faced against the greatest military in the world, American forces held their ground and saved Baltimore from facing the same fate as Washington D.C., the epic event also inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that would eventually become "The Star-Spangled Banner," today's National Anthem.

 

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  The Chesapeake Campaign

  The campaign in the Chesapeake Bay region that ultimately led to the Battle of Baltimore.

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  Lead Up to Battle

  How Baltimore prepared for battle.

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  The Battle of North Point

  The battle that helped prevent the British from getting into Baltimore.

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  The Negotiation for Dr. Beanes

  How exactly did Francis Scott Key end up out on that boat in the first place?

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  The Bombardment of Fort McHenry

  How Fort McHenry stood up to the greatest navy in the world to save the City of Baltimore.

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  Baltimore Saved

  How the results of the Battle of Baltimore impacted the city, the war, and the nation.