The Battle Of Fort McHenry & the Star Spangled Banner

At around 6AM, 200 years ago today, the British Royal Navy began a fearsome bombardment of Fort McHenry at the mouth of Baltimore harbor. The British had attempted to take Baltimore by both land and sea. The British army attack … Continue reading

Ship From Franklin Expedition & Possibly the Battle of Baltimore Found

The wreckage of one of two missing ships from Franklin’s lost expedition of 1845 is believed to have been found. It is not known yet if the wreck is of HMS Terror or HMS Erebus. The Franklin expedition was an attempt … Continue reading

Baltimore’s “Star-Spangled Sailabration” Kicks Off War of 1812 Bicentennial Festivities

Starting this Wednesday, June 13th, Baltimore, MD will host its “Star-Spangled Sailabration,”  a week long festival with 18 tall ships and  22 naval vessels, marking the start of Maryland’s three year commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812.   In addition to the parade … Continue reading

The Star Spangled Banner and the Search for HMS Terror

History is full of strange connections.   This week an almost 200-year-old copy of “The Star Spangled Banner” is to be sold at auction house at Christie’s auction house in Manhattan.   The sheet music is currently valued at between … Continue reading