By the dawn's early light

In 1812 the United States of America declared war against the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The War of 1812 would end in victory for the United States and the withdrawal of British troops from American soil and its Pacific waters. America had flexed its fledgling muscles and convinced the British and the world that it was a force to be reckoned with and that its declared independence was not to be taken lightly.

Prior to this declaration of war and in preparation for the potential of future armed conflict America built Fort McHenry on the peninsula at the Port of Baltimore. Begu...