Maryland's America
Division of Collections & Infrastructure
Folie, A.P. Plan of the Town of Baltimore and its Environs. 1792 Map, Fort McHenry Library.
Folie, A.P. Plan of the Town of Baltimore and its Environs. 1792 Map, Fort McHenry Library.
During the Revolutionary War, Baltimore became a critical port and supply line for both the British forces and Patriots. Understanding the importance of defending the city and fearing an attack, Marylanders created a star-shaped earthen fort on Whetstone Point.
Due to its strategic placement where the Patapsco River flows into Baltimore Harbor, it could easily become a choke point during a naval incursion. Although it never came under attack during the Revolution, Fort McHenry became immortalized during the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812 as the inspiration for Francis Scott Key’s “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
With the help of a Celebrate America! NEH grant, the Flag House in Baltimore is curating a special exhibition called Maryland’s America. This exhibit brings together eight local Maryland artists who creatively tell the story of America’s 250 years through the eyes of a Marylander.
The two-year exhibit opens at the Flag House in July 2026 and will run through July 2028.