The Fort, the Flag, and the Poet

Three Days / Two Nights

Walk the streets of Maryland where Francis Scott Key once lived, worshipped, practiced law in the early 1800’s, and visit the final resting place of the man who penned the Star-Spangled Banner. Frederick, Maryland is the perfect hub for your regional exploration of Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Day One

Frederick Visitor Center
Begin your exploration at the Frederick Visitor Center where you will be “greeted” by Francis Scott Key among the 2,200 square-feet of interpretive exhibits. Learn about Frederick County’s past and present through the award-winning film, “A Turn of the Wheel”. Allow 30 minutes.

All Saints’ Episcopal Church
All Saints’ Parish was founded in 1742 and has had a number of noteworthy parishioners over the years, including Francis Scott Key. The current neo-gothic structure is the parish’s third church, designed by noted 19th century architect Richard Upjohn and completed in 1855. Allow 1 hour.

Trinity Chapel
Trinity Chapel, its graceful 1807 steeple, is the oldest of the “clustered spires,” and houses the town clock. Trinity Chapel houses a small cruciform chapel on the first floor, which features a Moller Pipe Organ. Buried beneath the floor of the bell tower is Rev. Frederick Lewis Henop, the pastor who baptized Francis Scott Key. Allow 45 minutes.

Lunch
Choose from several group friendly locations in Downtown Frederick, while enjoying the historic charm of the city. Call Maria Lane for options or visit our Group Friendly Dining Page.

Mount Olivet Cemetery
Perhaps Frederick’s most notable Francis Scott Key memorial is his final resting place in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Just inside the front gate of the cemetery, stands an impressive monument dedicated on August 9, 1898 to pay lasting tribute to the author of our country’s National Anthem. Allow 1-1.5 hours.

Frederick Keys
Visit Harry Grove Stadium and cheer on the hometown baseball team, Frederick Keys, a class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Season runs from April-September. Allow 2.5 hours.

Overnight in Frederick
Frederick offers a wide variety of hotel accommodations ready to accommodate your group.

Day Two

Star-Spangled Banner Flag House
The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, built in 1793, was the home where Mary Pickersgill and her daughter created the 15-star flag that Francis Scott Key spied through the "dawn's early light." Allow 1 hour.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Easily accessible by water taxi, Fort McHenry visitors have the opportunity to see the fort up close and personal with a film, tour and flag-raising program. Allow 2 hours. 

Maryland Historical Society
The Maryland Historical Society is home to the original draft of Francis Scott Key's immortal poem that became the National Anthem. Allow 1 hour.

Tobys Dinner Theater
Live Broadway musical shows and a buffet dinner for your entertainment. Allow 2.5 hours.

Day Three

Museum of Frederick County History
The Museum of Frederick County History is located in an 1820's Federal-style mansion that maintains a unique collection of furnishings, art and memorabilia from Frederick's past. Allow 1 hour.

National Museum of American History
The National Museum of American History houses the very flag that was constructed at the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and inspired Key to write his poem. Allow 2 hours.

For further information please contact:
Becky Bickerton, (800) 999-3613 or 301-600-4050 or e-mail at bbickerton@fredco-md.net.