The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail traces the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake through tangible evidence of the war and stories that bring its people and events to life, while revealing the war’s far-reaching impacts on this county and the world. The trail leads through rural landscapes and historic communities, along waterways once traveled by British and American troops, to historic sites, scenic overlooks, commemorative events, reenactment battles, the original Star-Spangled Banner flag, and the house where it was made. After a 25-hour bombardment, soldiers at Fort McHenry raised a large American flag early on September 14, 1814. That flag, signaling British retreat, inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the words that became America’s national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.