Fort McHenry Quick History Lesson

Fort McHenry was made famous on September 13, 1814 when the British attempted to capture the fort by sea and enter Baltimore Harbor. Having recently invaded and burned Washington DC, they felt that this would be a sinch. Never underestimate Baldeemore dare Hon!

A young American lawyer was being held on one of the British ships, as they pounded the fort all night long. He wrote a poem about what he was witnessing. By the dawns early light, the smoke had cleared and although battered and torn, that star spangled banner yet waved. That young lawyer was Francis Scott Key. The poem that he wrote would later be set to music and become our National Anthem.

The Fort would later be honored as a National Monument and Historic Shrine. It is the only such doubly designated place in the Nation.

Greenmount Cemetary

Greenmount Cemetary is an amazing place.

Although not in the best or safest parts of Baltimore City, it is an oasis unto itself. Once you pass through the imposing castle like gates, you are in another world.

The grounds are impecable, and the opportunities for photos are only limited to your imagination. Several famous and infamous people are buried here. Johns Hopkins, Enoch Pratt, and Napolean' sister in law, and even John Wilkes Booth.

I got there a little late in the day, and they close the gates at 4PM sharp. I almost got locked in for the night. Which would not have been too bad considering that it is safer in here at night, than the surrounding neighborhood. If you have a chance to visit, do so. You won't regret it.