Fort McHenry is located just southeast of the Inner Harbor and is historically known for its role during the War of 1812 when 1,000 soldiers defended the Baltimore harbor and stopped the British from advancing into the city. A tour of the fort and grounds include the site of the flagpole from which the original battle flag flew, the guardhouses, the solders’ barracks, and the junior and commanding officers quarters. On the outer grounds, visitors can see Civil War batteries and the Civil War powder magazine. Fort McHenry is also visited year-round for casual picnics on the open grass or walks along the seawall.