Fort McHenry

After a full day in D.C., we had a good night’s rest and woke up to a beautiful day on the Chesapeake Bay.

We spent the day at Fort McHenry with Aunt Greta and Cousin Irene.  These young men had fun completing Junior Ranger workbooks.

The original copy of Francis Scott Key’s poem, which is our national anthem.

Learning about the War of 1812.

This was printed in The Yankee Boston newspaper in 1814.

We were blessed with a beautiful day to tour the fort.  Fort McHenry’ earthworks reminded us of Fort Moultrie in South Carolina.

We watched a very informative film on the battle for Baltimore.  This battle took place on land as well as on sea.

The inner buildings of the fort contained many interesting exhibits.  The rest of the fort was primarily earthworks.

Inside a bomb-proof magazine underground.  Philip is probably exploring under the stairs:)

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

On this whole trip, we have been blessed with beautiful places to stay.  It was chilly down by the shore.

Monkey in the middle:)

On Saturday, we left the Chesapeake and headed toward Virginia.  Stay tuned for our next destination…