The gorgeous George Peabody Library
Visiting Baltimore was part of my quest of following the events of the War of 1812. With arguably one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, Fort McHenry, being home to the “Star Spangled Banner”, and Lexington Market, Baltimore is not to be missed by anyone going to the east coast. The waterfront area reminds me of Hamburg.
Fort McHenry, home to the “Star Spangled Banner”
Fort McHenry was the site of the British naval attack on Baltimore during the War of 1812. Though the American touted it as a ‘defensive victory’, it was nothing more than a failed attack die to the inaccuracies of British Congreve rockets. Nonetheless, Francis Scott Key watched what happened on that day and wrote the “Star Spangled Banner”, which later became the US national anthem.
Downtown Baltimore
You can visit the house where the actual banner was hand woven by a group of women, though the banner itself is displayed in Washington D.C. If you have time, take the free shuttle buses to town and explore the charming streets of Baltimore by foot. Don’t miss the waterfront area, Lexington Market, and the floating maritime museums. If you’re lost or need a free toilet, there’s a helpful tourist information centre near Camden Station at the waterfront.
