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Fort McHenry
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Hours | Sept-May fort and grounds daily 8am-5pm; June to Labor Day grounds remain open daily until 8pm | |
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Location | Fort McHenry National Monument, E. Fort Ave, Inner Harbor | |
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Transportation | Bus: 1. Water taxi stop | |
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Phone | 410/962-4290 | |
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Web site | www.nps.gov/fomc | |
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Prices | Admission $7 adults, free for children 16 and under | |
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Closed | Closed Thanksgiving, Dec 25, and Jan 1 | |
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The flag that flies at Fort McHenry is 30X42 feet, big enough to see "by the dawn's early light." Its 15 stars and stripes still fly as boldly as they did at the Battle of Baltimore, when U.S. soldiers reclaimed American independence from the British in the War of 1812. The star-shaped fort looks much as it did then, and its buildings, repaired in the days following the attack, still stand. The star-spangled banner is central to this fort, a national monument. A talk about the flag is offered every day at noon; Fort McHenry Guardsmen (living-history volunteers) are on duty noon to 4pm on summer weekends. Visitors are invited to take part in the daily changing of the flag (9:30am or 4:30pm, 7:30pm June-Aug) -- in fact, because the flag is so big, around 20 people are needed to keep it off the ground. The large flag flies only during daylight hours (weather permitting); a smaller flag flies at night.
Exhibits recall Baltimore under siege during the War of 1812 and the fort's service during the Civil War and as a World War I army hospital. Allow at least 90 minutes for a visit. The 15-minute film shown every 20 minutes is a good introduction to the fort. A new visitor center, with updated exhibits and high-tech displays, will open by early 2011. Fort McHenry sits on a point in the harbor from which visitors can see the Inner Harbor, the Patapsco River, and down to the Chesapeake Bay. Visits to the park outside the fort are free, and picnicking is allowed.
The Star-Spangled Banner Weekend, held in mid-September, recalls the British attack on the fort. Flags are everywhere here on Flag Day, June 14. On select Sundays from 6 to 8pm, military bands perform with a color guard, drill teams, and the Fort McHenry Guard dressed in 19th-century uniforms, a ceremony that began in 1803. Admission to this ceremony is free; call or visit the website for a schedule.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
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0 stars | Frommer's Recommended |
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1 stars | Frommer's Highly Recommended |
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2 stars | Frommer's Very Highly Recommended |
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3 stars | Frommer's Exceptional |
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Other ratings provide stars based primarily on price and amenities; the Frommer's star rating is meant to quantify the kind of intangible, experiential elements that help travelers make informed decisions.
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