The Battle of Fort McHenry took place during the War of 1812 on September 13-14, 1814. British forces aimed to capture the fort, which protected the city of Baltimore. The battle began with a heavy bombardment from British ships, but the American defenders, led by Major George Armistead, held their ground. Despite the intense shelling, the fort's garrison successfully repelled the attack. The sight of the American flag still flying after the battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner," which later became the national anthem of the United States.