2012 marks the bicentennial anniversary of the War of 1812, the legendary battle that secured America's independence as a new nation. For an area like Baltimore, this anniversary is pivotal.
The Chesapeake Bay played a pivotal role for American and British battle ships in the war and the city of Baltimore was right in the midst of many hard fought battles between our troops and the British. Francis Scott Key was even inspired to pen our national anthem when native Baltimore-ians raised the star spangled banner over the harbor.
200 years later, the state of Maryland and the city of Baltimore are celebrating this bicentennial anniversary with a three-year commemoration that kicks off with a huge maritime festival on the Inner Harbor from June 13 through 19, 2012 called the Star Spangled Sailabration.
The bicentenial events will continue through 2013 when Baltimore and Maryland will host a series of programs and events along the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail that will celebrate this pivotal anniversary of American independence.
It will all end in 2014 when there will be a huge, dazzling tribute to the War of 1812 and subsequent birth of our nation at the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.
We'll keep you posted as more news arises about events during Baltimore's Star Spangled 200 celebration. Get out there and celebrate history and heroism in beautiful Baltimore.
