Fort McHenry was a fort that existed during the early 1800s during the war of 1812. It served as an important fortress to hold the advance of the British navy and, since then has had other historical events take place in it, like the creation of the United States' national anthem. Fort McHenry was made a national park in the 1920s. Since then, it has gained historical value to the state of Baltimore, and to the country. A tradition regularly observed here is that whenever a new flag is designated (the first were 49 and 50-star US flags), it is first flown over the fort.

1) Fort McHenry as a National Monument

Since its status as a national monument, the fort has become a place of recreation and historical appreciation. Defenders Day, the biggest celebration held in the fort's grounds, commemorates the Battle of Baltimore, and is full of activities, programs, and fireworks for visitors to take part in. Nearby museums and other establishments are also open to the public to complement the historic values already displayed during one's visit to Fort McHenry. Brookshire Inns and Suites, a hotel in Baltimore Maryland, is one of a few establishments that are a short distance from the fort, which could relatively improve the guests' familiarity with the rich history it presents.

http://fortmchenry.areaparks.com/

2) The Star-Spangled Banner

Already known to many, especially to the Americans, Fort McHenry is the birthplace of their national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner". The song (or poem, as it was first composed) represents the American Spirit. It was inspired by tenacity of an oversized custom-made American flag flown over the fort to a bombardment done during a war at that time.

http://www.gusto.com/maryland/baltimore/hotels/near/fortmchenry-5759/city1714231.html#trafficLogID=563675555&visited=true&clickingLogId=34957949

The Fort McHenry Tunnel opened in the year 1985 particularly on November 23rd. This was named after Fort McHenry, which is the site it passes. This is among the two tunnels that support traffic below the Baltimore Harbor.

Here are some of the things that you need to know about this tunnel:

Construction

This was first started back in June of 1980 and was finished after five years. The estimated cost for the project was a whopping 750 million dollars. Today, the tunnel closed the gap in the most significant interstate route in the East Coast, which is the Interstate 95. This is located between Florida and Maine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_McHenry_Tunnel

Toll rates

Starting in the year 2008, the cars passing the tunnel will have to pay two dollars no matter what direction they are heading. Those vehicles that have over two axles are required to shell out additional two dollars for every axle in their vehicle.

http://www.roadstothefuture.com/Fort_McHenry_Tunnel.html

Other facts

The tunnel is maintained by the MTA or the Maryland Transport Authority. In 2003, there were 44.1 million automobiles using this. Annually, it is estimated that there are 115,000 vehicles here daily which contribute to the average traffic.

http://www.dcroads.net/crossings/fort-mchenry/

You can find and book at a hotel in Baltimore, Maryland as you pass through the tunnel.

Fort McHenry is situated off I-96, just Southeast of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. It was planned by Frenchman Jean Foci and named after James McHenry who once served as an escritoire of war from 1796 to 1800.

http://baltimore.org/arts-and-culture/fort-mchenry

Driving Directions

- From North, Follow I-96 south through the Fort McHenry tunnel ($ 2 toll) to exit 53 (I-395 North, Downtown), then bear left off the exit and follow signs to the Inner Harbor.

- From the South, follow I-95 North to exit 53 (I-395 North, Downtown). Continue in the left or center lane, at the third light make a right onto Pratt Street. On your right is Inner Harbor.

- From the west, follow I-70 East to Exit 91 (I-695 South, Glen Burnie). Travel on I-695 South and take Exit11A (I-95 North, Baltimore). Proceed-on I-95 North to Exit 53 (I-395 North, Downtown).at the third light; make a right onto Pratt Street, four blocks to the Inner Harbor.

http://baltimore.org/transportation/driving-directions

Admission

You are required to pay admission fee of $ 5, and include a 15 minute movie on the history of the fort. You can travel in Baltimore MD or walk around the outside of the Fort at no cost.

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/Maryland/Baltimore

Fort McHenry stands tall in Baltimore for the role it played in the war that broke out in 1812. Baltimore Harbour was under attack during that war. It was then that this fort came to its rescue keeping the British navy at bay.

1. History of Fort Machinery National Monument and Historic Shrine

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_McHenry

Fort Machinery National Monument and Historic Shrine has history behind it. The war that broke out in 1812 gave Fort McHenry the title of "A Nest of Pirates." During this period of 1812 when France and Great Britain were at war with each other, American ships carrying supplies were confiscated by either France or Great Britain. Seamen were forced to serve the royal navy of Great Britain. Angered at the attitude of Great Britain, Government of America declared war on them. Private ships of Baltimore were permitted to capture British merchant vessels which they did and therefore came to be known as 'A Nest of Pirates.'

During World War I Fort Machinery National Monument and Historic Shrine served as a military base. A hospital was constructed housing 3,000 beds. In fact it served as a treatment centre as well that saw wounded soldiers on their way to civilian life or duty after they got treated. The Baltimore traveling remains incomplete without a visit to this wonderful heritage construction.

2. Present Situation of Fort Machinery National Monument and Historic Shrine

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/214125/Fort-McHenry-National-Monument-and-Historic-Shrine

http://www.tripcart.com/usa-regions/Capital/historical-sites/Fort-McHenry-National-Monument-Historic-Shrine.html

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2826389-fort_mchenry_national_monument_and_historic_shrine_baltimore-i

The five-pointed Star Fort was strongly built of brick. Four barracks stood to garrison that consists of "Junior Officers' Quarters", "Commanding Officer's Quarters" on two sides. Two other sides houses buildings for common soldiers. The guardhouse that stood close to the "Commanding Officer's Quarters" had two-fold aspects. One, guards worked & lived, and two, it played the role of confining unruly soldiers. Exactly in the middle of "Junior Officers' Quarters" there is the "Commanding Officer's Quarters". There is the "Powder Magazine", the storehouse of gunpowder.