Tracing the Trail

Join us for another year of Tracing the Trail, September 12th to kick off Defenders’ Day commemorations.

Celebrated since 1815, Defenders’ Day is Baltimore’s oldest holiday. It honors the successful defense of the city from British attack in 1814 and the North Point Battle that led to the the Defense of Fort McHenry.

The National Park Service and its partners invite visitors to explore the history of Baltimore’s diverse community of defenders by learning about the daily lives and experiences of soldiers, sailors, and civilians who came together to defend their city in 1814, and those who continue to support their local and national communities today.

Fun Family Activities—Experience living historians showing life during 1814 featuring fife and drum, cutlass, and military drills. Family-oriented activities include Junior Ranger programs, history talks, 19th century games, and a replica flag.

Friday September 12, 2025 from 10am to 2pm - Join the Fort McHenry Guard at Patterson Park near the observatory. There will be living history demonstrations and musical performances to learn about the lives of the soldiers, sailors, and marines who served on Hampstead Hill during the Battle of Baltimore. Patterson Park is along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail because of the history of Hampstead Hill during the War of 1812.

How to find us? We will be near the observatory! You can also keep an eye out for our History Machine!

For the rest of the Defenders' Day weekend activities and programs visit: https://go.nps.gov/DefendersDay

Importance of the location:

After the stinging defeat at Bladensburg and invasion of Washington, Americans rallied to save Baltimore. All available and able-bodied were called to build defenses. Black and white, enslaved and free, united to dig earthworks across Hampstead Hill and adjacent heights. British land forces approaching on September 13, 1814, stopped at the sight of the well-armed defenses. Deciding that storming the American stronghold would be too costly, the British army retreated. Credit for the defenses goes to Major General Samuel Smith and Commodore John Rodgers. Smith coordinated the overall effort; Rodgers commanded Hampstead Hill.

The site is now part of Patterson Park, and this exact location is where we will be for Tracing the Trail!

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View pictures from last year's event: