The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail traces the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake, where tangible evidence of the war and stories bring its people and events to life and reveal its far-reaching impacts on this country and the world. The trail passes through rural landscapes and historic communities, waterways once traveled by British and American troops, battle reenactments, the original Star-Spangled Banner flag, the house where it was made, and trails leading to historic sites and scenic overlooks, with commemorative events held throughout the region. At Fort McHenry, after a 25-hour bombardment, soldiers 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.