This Saturday was a gorgeous day here in Maryland. Sunny skies, nice breeze and warm enough for just a light jacket. Jake and I debated what to do on this glorious day, and decided it would be best spent collecting stamps (what else?)
The next step was to decide where would be the best choice? Mostly when we want to get away from Annapolis, we head to D.C., so I suggested a change up and head to good old Bawlmore. If you aren't from Maryland, you are probably thinking, "OMG! That show from The Wire?!?". Ok, yes, there are some areas of Baltimore that may closely resemble that show, but Baltimore has much more to offer! Great sites and great food too!
The next step was to decide where would be the best choice? Mostly when we want to get away from Annapolis, we head to D.C., so I suggested a change up and head to good old Bawlmore. If you aren't from Maryland, you are probably thinking, "OMG! That show from The Wire?!?". Ok, yes, there are some areas of Baltimore that may closely resemble that show, but Baltimore has much more to offer! Great sites and great food too!
Our first stop was Fort McHenry, where the battle there during the War of 1812 was the inspiration for the Star-Spangled Banner.
During a bombardment from British troops, the Americans managed to keep hold of the fort through out the "bombs bursting in air." It struck me that most people would think the Star-Spangled Banner was written during the Revolutionary War, and not the often forgotten War of 1812.
During a bombardment from British troops, the Americans managed to keep hold of the fort through out the "bombs bursting in air." It struck me that most people would think the Star-Spangled Banner was written during the Revolutionary War, and not the often forgotten War of 1812.
I was also convinced there had to be ghosts at the fort, you know, since it is old, but then I found out that only 4 people actually died there during the War of 1812 bombardment. And I was disappointed. And then I heard that it housed POWs during the Civil War and I was excited again! But alas, no ghosts. (Does this make we weird? I hope not, but I understand if so.)
The second place we went was the President Street Station National Historic Site. Once again, no idea what this was. We learned that the President Street Station was the oldest surviving big city railroad station that now houses the Baltimore Civil War Museum. The once derelict building was restored in the 1990s and is a recent addition to the National Parks family.
Not only did we get the President Street Station stamp, we also got one for the Underground Railroad Freedom Network and the Baltimore National Heritage Area! 5 stamps!
Not only did we get the President Street Station stamp, we also got one for the Underground Railroad Freedom Network and the Baltimore National Heritage Area! 5 stamps!
The more I think about it, the more appropriate I think it was to go to Baltimore for the day. It is the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and it is also President's Day Weekend. How very patriotic of us :)