Star-Spangled Sailabration 2012

Welcome to the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland for Star-Spangled 200: A National Bicentennial in Maryland!

The bicentennial of The Star-Spangled Banner and the War of 1812 presents a tremendous opportunity to tell the story of Maryland's pivotal role in securing America's independence and giving our nation two of its most enduring icons - the anthem and the flag.

It is a saga that began at the head of the Chesapeake Bay in April 1813, when the British launched their assault, and climaxed in September 1814, shortly after the burning of our nation's capital, when Marylanders of all races, creeds and social backgrounds banded together in the successful defense of Baltimore. It is the story of the dark night when Marylanders saved the young Republic, and the bright, brave morning when they raised the Star-Spangled Banner over the Harbor and inspired Francis Scott Key to pen our national anthem.

Star-Spangled 200 is a three-year state-wide commemoration that will kick off with an international maritime festival in June 2012. Continuing throughout 2013, Baltimore and Maryland will host a series of programs and events along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail to commemorate the bicentennial. The festivities will reach a crescendo in September 2014, when Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine takes center stage in a Star-Spangled tribute to the defense of a nation and the birth of the National Anthem.

We invite you to explore Maryland and be inspired by our history, heritage and heroism.