While it lacks the sprawling, anachronistic funk of Fort Washington, Fort McHenry packs the most narrative punch of any nearby fort. But the defenders held.
Kids also get a bang out of an electrical light-up map illustrating the bombardment.
In summer, costumed interpreters add to the festive air. As for that flag, the huge original is kept in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History . The fort today usually flies a smaller but still remarkable version, measuring 25 by 17 feet. It's three miles away. Closed major holidays.