The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail traces the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake through places where tangible evidence of the war and stories of its people and events can still be encountered, revealing the war’s far-reaching impacts on this county and the world. The trail passes through rural landscapes and historic communities, follows waterways once traveled by British and American troops, and includes opportunities to witness battles at reenactment events, view the original Star-Spangled Banner flag, visit the house where it was made, hike or bike to historic sites and scenic overlooks, and join commemorative events throughout the region. After a 25-hour bombardment, soldiers at Fort McHenry raised a large American flag early on September 14, 1814, and that flag, signaling British retreat, inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that became America’s national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.