Baltimore - Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

3 mi. south-east of the city centre via Key Highway and Fort Avenue is Fort McHenry, built between 1798 and 1803 to command the harbor entrance. In 1814 it withstood a 24 hour bombardment by a British warship and thus saved Baltimore from occupation. In the fort's Visitor Center are displays and a film on the history of the fort, referring to the origins of the national anthem, the 'The Star Spangled Banner'. However, the original of the famous flag now hangs in the Museum of American History in Washington, DC.