Battle of Baltimore: North Point and Fort McHenry

Background. Following Napoleon's defeat, Britain adopted an aggressive strategy to compel peace negotiations. British forces targeted major US ports, including Baltimore. The campaign involved land and sea operations. American defenders successfully repelled these invasions, preventing Baltimore from falling and ending the British Chesapeake campaign.

Battle of North Point. On September 12, 1814, British troops landed at North Point. General John Stricker's Maryland Militia engaged Major General Robert Ross's force. Although Americans retreated, the battle was a successful delaying action. It inflicted significant casualties, including Ross, halting the British advance and allowing Baltimore defenders to prepare.

Bombardment of Fort McHenry. British warships under Vice Admiral Alexander Cochrane bombarded Fort McHenry from 6:00 a.m. on September 13 for 25 hours. The fort successfully defended Baltimore Harbor. A storm flag was flown during the attack, replaced by a larger garrison flag on the morning of September 14.

Francis Scott Key's Poem. Francis Scott Key, a Washington lawyer, observed the bombardment. He had been negotiating the release of Dr. William Beanes. Witnessing the fort's resistance, Key composed the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry" on September 14, 1814, which later became the lyrics for "The Star-Spangled Banner."