The Battle of Baltimore saves the young country; Francis Scott Key writes “Star Spangled Banner”

Ft. McHenry
September 14, 1814

Ft. McHenry, at the entrance to Baltimore Harbor, successfully endures a 25 hour bombardment and prevents an invading British fleet from getting into the city. The garrison raises its 30’ x 42’ flag in victory, a moment that signals the end of the War of 1812.

A Washington lawyer, Francis Scott Key (1779-1843), witnesses the flag and writes the “Star Spangled Banner,” based on an 18th century drinking song, which becomes the official American national anthem a century later.

Built in 1798 to defend Baltimore, Ft. McHenry serves an active role until World War II, becoming a national park in 1925. The park is officially redesignated as the “National Monument and Historic Shrine” in 1939.

Francis Scott Key owned at least 6 enslaved individuals, though he manumitted some of them in his life time. He was a lawyer who defended both the enslaved and those who owned slaves.

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Ft. McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frederick

Heritage Frederick

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Marylander Roger B. Taney hands down the Dred Scott decision.

Roger Taney, Maryland native and Supreme Court Chief Justice, delivers 7-2 opinion in 1857, in the Dred Scott case, declaring that Blacks in the US are not considered citizens nor entitled to government protection, and that Congress cannot prohibit slavery. The decision becomes a major factor leading to the Civil War.

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Ice Cream industry begins

Dairyman and abolitionist Jacob Fussell invents the ice cream industry in 1851 in Baltimore. Looking for ways to use the extra cream in his dairy business, he sells ice cream to Baltimore. Fussell’s original ice cream wagon is in the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

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Land Recognition

We acknowledge the enduring presence of many American Indian tribes who once lived in Maryland and who now, having lost their lands, live in a diaspora. Read more.

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