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The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Welcome to the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail! Come on a journey to remember and commemorate the Chesapeake Campaign during the War of 1812.

The story of Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is more than one event, one date, or one individual. It involves a diverse number of people, places, and events that influenced the course of our nation's history.

 
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Logo

A New National Historic Trail

The Trail traces five major events during the 1814 Chesapeake Campaign that have national significance, physical integrity, and the potential for contemporary recreation and/or interpretation. Five trail segments commemorate the advance and withdrawal of the British on the Patuxent; various diversionary feints; the British land march and retreat; the Battle of North Point and defense of Hampstead Hill; and the approach up the Patapsco and defense of Fort McHenry.

Other significant events, including the flight of the Madisons into Maryland, rescue of national documents from the White House to northern Virginia, and the American movement from Washington toward Baltimore that occurred along routes with little remaining physical integrity will also be interpreted along the Trail.

 
Joshua Barney, commander of the Chesapeake Bay Flotilla

People and Stories of the Star-Spangled Banner Trail

Learn more about the people who played a role in the 1814 Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812. Some you may have heard of, and others may be lesser-known figures who greatly influenced the outcomes of the conflict.

 
Flotilla

The Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812

Read more about the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812, including the assault on Washington, DC, the Battle of Bladensburg, the burning of the White House, and the Battle for Baltimore.
 
 

Write to

National Park Service
410 Severn Ave Suite 109
Annapolis, MD 21403

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Phone

Phone
(410) 295-3149

Fax

(410) 267-7777

Climate

The Chesapeake region, which includes Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, tends to be hot and humid during summer, temperate in the fall and late spring, and cold in winter.
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A kayaker's view of the Potomac River  

Did You Know?
Becuase much of the campaign was water-based, there are numerous recreational opportunities to visit the Star-Spangled Banner Trail by water.

Last Updated: April 28, 2009 at 18:18 EST