Baltimore's Inner Harbor And Fort McHenry

Today we found out what Defender's Day was all about. In 1814 the British wanted Baltimore Harbor. The United States military sunk a bunch of ships out at Locust Point, making it difficult for the British to get through. Once they penetrated the wrecks the United States Navy of Fort McHenry fought the British off and won.

Francis Scott Key, a poet of the time, wrote about the fight and our National Anthem was created from that war.

So, Maryland has an annual celebration on Defender's Day. There are recreations of the times, people in period costumes re-enacting the positions that were held by the soldiers and their families of the time. Much of the Fort's living spaces have been restored and furnished with period items for viewing.

If you like "Living History" this would be something to see. Our trip today we found that children, about 7 and under, are not even remotely interested in this type of thing. A lot of crying and running from parents was the order of the day. The older they were, maybe 10, were familiar with the Star Spangled Banner and a tiny bit about the war. They had questions and kept pace with the older generations.

I rode the Water Taxi over to Fort McHenry. Not something I was looking forward to but I did it. Enough about that.

Yesterday we did Baltimore's Inner Harbor and went on the USS Constellation. A three masted schooner that helped stop the advance of slave traffic on the seas. The ship is continuing to undergo reconstruction and restoration. It is quite something to walk the lower decks of the ship and try to keep from banging your head on the ceiling. They were rather short people at the time, compared to us of today.

If you want to spend a weekend steeped in history, then be back in today's time for food and drink, go to Baltimore, Maryland and see for yourself the ships of old. There is a World War II Submarine to go through, a Coast Guard boat, and one other sailing vessel to prowl around, as well as the Constitution.

Wear comfy shoes. There is a lot of walking.

Posted with LifeCast