Strategically located at mouth of the Baltimore harbor, Fort McHenry was built in 1790 to guard and defend this city. Its famed moment in history came in the War of 1812 when a British fleet of about 20 warships proceeded to Baltimore after burning Washington, DC. The British bombarded the Fort for two days and nights but could not force its surrender. It was at this moment amidst glowing bombs that lit up Fort McHenry that Francis Scott Key wrote our National Anthem. Fort McHenry and Assateague are the two most visited attractions in Maryland with each receiving 650,000 visitors each year. Fort McHenry National Monument, East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230 (410) 962-4290, www.nps.gov/fomc