Last weekend’s “day trip” became two Day Trips. Unfortunately, Patti was not up to the trip, but we agreed that I would make the trip to Frederick, Maryland and the celebration of Special Orders 191 (will blog later on that). Our plan was to spend the night, visit Worthington Valley, then proceed to the Worthington Reunion. (already blogged about that).
It was hot, but there was time.
Since doing my research last summer (Inferential Genealogy), I wanted to Visit Fort McHenry.
The Howard family played a role at Fort McHenry early in the Civil War. While doing that research I realized that Frances Scott Key was in my family file. I had known of other Worthington / Key interactions in the past. There is a house in Anne Arundel County that belonged to Key and Worthington. (but that’s another story).
As you may be able to tell from the above picture, that is was a beautiful day. Fort McHenry has programs in the evenings on the weekends, War of 1812 Twilight Tattoo. Why not …. it gave me a chance to re-visit the Fort, as it’s been a number of years since I last was there AND had no pictures. Great day to visit and to that Pictures.
As may have been a tradition at Fort McHenry, in the evening, there was a gathering of the troops (Tattoo), and as was presented this evening, a band was there, along with the local “ladies”.
The Chesapeake Concert Band and the Fort McHenry Fife & Drum Corps played for those in attendance.
Period music was presented, including some music specifically created for Fort McHenry.
The Traditional Canon Salute was included in the ceremony.
So why all the fuss about Fort McHenry and Frances Scott Key? According to my database, he was the Father-in-law of my 10th Great Grand Uncle. What ??? OK, he’s distant, but still related. Looking at HOW we are related, I run into TWO, not one, but TWO Revolutionary War “Hero’s”. As reported on this Blog, John Eager Howard, grandfather of David Ridgely Howard and McHenry Howard, of Civil War fame, but also Ann Cooper Whitall, wife of James Whitall. (The Battle at Red Bank, New Jersey).
The Whitall House it across the Delaware River from Fort Mott. Another visit to the Whitall House is in order.
In this one line, I have Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War hero’s.
A Worthington Weblog 
I’ve always wanted to visit it, too. We flew by the harbor one time on our way to Fredricksburg and I saw it from the highway. Someday we’ll make a specific trip to Baltimore and check out the sights!
Heather,
Fort McHenry and the Inner Harbor, with the Aquarium, are great places to visit. Those three places will probably take a good day to visit. Food is great as well.
Russ
I remember going to Fort McHenry with my boy scout troop in high school. It was great.
I see according to Geneabloggers today is your 4 year anniversary you’ve been blogging. Happy blogiversary.
Regards, Jim
Genealogy Blog at Hidden Genealogy Nuggets
Jim,
I have been to Fort McHenry before, but it was “just a place” to visit. There was more meaning to me, this time, because of my family history research putting “people” (my peeps) into that place.
Four years … can’t believe that.
Thank you,
Russ