“Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine holds profound historical significance as a landmark. This coastal pentagonal bastion fort played a crucial role in the War of 1812, particularly in defending Baltimore Harbor against a British naval assault on September 13-14, 1814. Constructed in 1798, Fort McHenry remained a vital stronghold for the United States armed forces across various conflicts, including World War I, and later served the Coast Guard during World War II. The structures and defenses of the site were obsolete in the face of modern warfare machinery. However, the site discovered a renewed purpose when the United States entered the First World War in 1917. The historical importance led to its designation as a national park in 1925, and subsequently, in 1939, it was re-established as a "National Monument and Historic Shrine." Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine are tributes to the courage and resilience of American forces during the War of 1812. Today, it serves as a poignant reminder of this pivotal moment in history, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the fort and its surrounding grounds.”
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