People of the War of 1812

The War of 1812 is no doubt Fort McHenry's most famous period of activity in its history. It was featured as a prominent role not only during the Battle of Baltimore, but also the entire Chesapeake Campaign from 1813-1814. Without the various actors of this time period of the fort, the history of the United States could have been entirely altered. Stories collided of people from all different backgrounds, races, loyalties, and objectives making the 1812 period of Fort McHenry one of the most American of stories. It's truly because of the people of this time period that Fort McHenry was given the distinction of being the only Historic Shrine in the National Park Service.

 

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  Francis Scott Key

  Francis Scott Key created one of the most well-known legacies of the War of 1812: the words that became the United States national anthem.

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  The Defenders

  Learn more about the people who defended Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore.

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  George Armistead

  Armistead commanded the American forces at Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812.

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  William Williams (Frederick Hall)

  Frederick Hall, a runaway enslaved person, enlisted in the 38th U.S. Infantry as William Williams.

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  Fortifiers of Baltimore

  The defenders who dug defenses around the city of Baltimore.

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  Mary Young Pickersgill

  The woman who sewed the original Star-Spangled Banner flag.

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  Grace Wisher

  An African American indentured servant who helped sew the Star-Spangled Banner.

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  Samuel Neale

  Learn how pension records revealed the long-overlooked service of Surgeon's Aide Samuel Neale.