Visiting the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House

In June of 2025, we traveled to Baltimore, Maryland. On one of the days of our stay, we walked through Baltimore's Inner Harbor to reach the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House. We knew the museum was closed, but we wanted to see it since we had limited time in the city.

It wasn't a bad walk from our hotel down to the musem. The walk consisted of several long city blocks, all along the same street. The video we produced focuses on the walk we took, and in the middle of it, you will find information about the museum. We have also included some history behind the making of the Star-Spangled Banner.

About the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House

Tucked away in the historic heart of Baltimore lies the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, a building that quietly witnessed the making of one of America’s most iconic symbols.** Located at 844 East Pratt Street, this modest 18th-century brick home was where Mary Pickersgill sewed the enormous garrison flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the British bombardment of September 1814. It was this very flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the poem that would become the United States’ national anthem.

Mary Pickersgill was not just a flag maker; she was a skilled craftswoman and businesswoman who took on a monumental task under short notice. Commissioned by Major George Armistead, the commander at Fort McHenry, Pickersgill—with the help of her daughter, mother, nieces, and a free African American apprentice—created a 30 x 42-foot flag with fifteen stars and stripes. The work was done largely inside the Flag House, though parts of it had to be assembled in a nearby brewery to accommodate its massive size.

The flag Mary made wasn’t just large—it was historic. On September 13-14, 1814, as British warships bombarded Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, her flag flew defiantly above the fort's ramparts. When the smoke cleared on the morning of the 14th, the enormous flag still waved, a clear sign that the American forces had held. Detained aboard a British ship, Key drew inspiration from this enduring image to pen "Defence of Fort M'Henry," which subsequently evolved into "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Today, the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House is preserved as a museum that captures both the legacy of the flag and the remarkable life of Mary Pickersgill. Visitors to the house can walk through rooms furnished to reflect the early 19th century, providing an authentic glimpse into daily life in 1813. The museum also includes a modern visitor center that features exhibits on the War of 1812, flag-making, and the broader cultural significance of the national anthem.

The house is a time capsule of American resilience, industry, and identity. Artifacts, documents, and interpretive displays help tell the story of the flag's creation and the people who brought it to life. One can see period sewing equipment, learn about Pickersgill’s household, and even view reproductions of the original flag, which now resides in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

The museum doesn't just honor the past—it also connects it to the present. Through educational programming, guided tours, and community events, the Flag House engages visitors in thinking about patriotism, civic responsibility, and the many ways ordinary citizens have shaped the nation's history. School groups often visit for hands-on learning experiences that bring the story of the Star-Spangled Banner to life.

Outside the home stands a small but poignant memorial garden and a statue of Mary Pickersgill, needle in hand, symbolizing her contribution to American history. The statue honors her legacy not just as a flag maker, but as a woman who used her skills to serve her country during a critical time. The surrounding area of Baltimore, including nearby Little Italy and the Inner Harbor, makes the Flag House a perfect stop on a historic walking tour of the city.

For many, a visit to the Flag House evokes a deeper appreciation for the national anthem—one that goes beyond sports games and ceremonial moments. Standing in the very room where the flag was created, it’s hard not to feel the weight of history. The home is humble, but its legacy is monumental. It reminds visitors that even the grandest national symbols can be born in everyday settings by everyday people.

The Flag House is also part of the larger Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, a route that traces key locations tied to the War of 1812. This makes it a popular destination for heritage travelers and history buffs alike. It’s a place where local, state, and national history intersect—where Baltimore’s identity as a patriotic city comes into sharp focus.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a patriotic traveler, or simply curious about the story behind the anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House is a must-visit destination in Baltimore. It’s more than just a museum—it’s a symbol of national perseverance, creativity, and unity. In an age where the meaning of patriotism is often debated, the Flag House stands as a quiet, enduring reminder of where it all began—with a needle, thread, and unwavering hope.