Mid-Atlantic U.S.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Baltimore, Maryland – War of 1812
Francis Scott Key wrote a poem while watching the British bombard Baltimore’s Fort McHenry on September 13, 1814. That poem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” set to music, became the American national anthem in 1931.
There’s a lot more to Fort McHenry’s history than just one battle. Built in 1776 to defend the city of Baltimore, Fort McHenry served as a Union prison during the Civil War and became a hospital during World War I. Rebuilt by the U. S. Army and the Works Progress Administration, the Fort became National Park Service property in 1933. Fort McHenry, though a National Monument, saw service during World War II, when it became a Coast Guard Training Station.
You can reach Fort McHenry by car, bus, and, in spring and summer months, by water taxi from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. When you arrive, take a few minutes to watch the film about Fort McHenry, then grab a map and walk around the fort.
Nearby attractions: Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – Civil War
Arguably the most famous battle in American history, Gettysburg was the Civil War’s bloodiest battle. By defeating Confederate General Robert E. Lee, the Union forces, led by General George G. Meade, thwarted Lee’s plans to invade the North. This three-day battle, which took place July 1-3, 1863, turned the tide of the war, but at great cost. At the end of the battle, between 46,000 and 51,000 soldiers were dead, wounded or missing.
The park’s new Visitor Center will open in mid-April 2008. The real attraction, though, is the battlefield itself. As you tour the battle sites, you’ll see monuments, cannon and landmarks that lent their names to various phases of the battle, such as Little Round Top and the Peach Orchard. Don’t miss Gettysburg’s Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where Lincoln delivered his immortal address.
Gettysburg’s battlefield area is enormous. It’s perfect for walking, but you can cover ground more quickly by car. Take a self-guided driving tour of the entire area or pay a licensed guide to accompany you. If you visit in spring, summer or early fall, you can take a guided bus tour of the battle area. Audio tour CDs are available for purchase.
Nearby attractions: Land of Little Horses Farm Park, National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Eisenhower National Historic Site
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia – John Brown’s Raid and Civil War
When John Brown led his ragtag band of raiders to the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, he intended to seize the Harpers Ferry Armory and give weapons to freedom-fighting slaves. Brown and his army of 21 men attacked the Armory on October 16, 1859. Three days later, it was all over. Brown was in custody, the slave uprising failed to materialize and the U.S. Army controlled Harpers Ferry. Not quite two years later, the United States split over the slavery issue when Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter.
But Harpers Ferry’s history neither begins nor ends with the Civil War. Thomas Jefferson visited Harpers Ferry in 1783, followed by George Washington in 1785. As he prepared for his groundbreaking exploratory journey, Meriwether Lewis stopped in Harpers Ferry to buy weapons and supplies. Harpers Ferry was considered a key strategic point in the Civil War, changing hands no less than eight times during the conflict. Frederick Douglass and W. E. B. Du Bois both spoke at Storer College, founded in Harpers Ferry to educate former slaves. Always a transportation hub, Harpers Ferry is also a place where American history and culture converge.
Harpers Ferry attracts history buffs, nature lovers and recreation-seekers alike. The Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers meet here, and you’ll see plenty of inner tubes, rafts and kayaks strapped to vehicles as you drive toward the park.
When you visit Harpers Ferry, wear comfortable walking shoes. The Lower Town, carefully restored, gives you a glimpse into Harpers Ferry’s past. Explore shops and ask park rangers about the town’s history. You’ll be able to walk along the 1862 Confederate and Union battle lines. If you’d prefer to see Harpers Ferry at its natural best, the park offers miles of hiking trails.
Nearby attractions: Charles Town Races, Harpers Ferry Flea Market, Summit Point Motorsports Park
In Part 3, we'll visit important battlefields of the South.
