The Defence of Fort M'Henry occurred during the War of 1812 on September 13-14, 1814. British forces aimed to capture the fort, which protected the harbor of Baltimore, Maryland. The American garrison, led by Major George Armistead, successfully defended the fort against a relentless bombardment from British ships. The battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem "The Star-Spangled Banner," which later became the national anthem of the United States. The sight of the American flag, still flying after the attack, symbolized resilience and patriotism, marking a significant moment in American history.