Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
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Established
2008
Trail type
Land and water routes
Virginia starting point
Tangier Island, Virginia
Managed by
National Park Service and partners
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail connects places shaped by the War of 1812 in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Rather than one continuous footpath, it is a network of historic sites, overland routes and waterways telling the story of the Chesapeake campaign and the events that inspired the national anthem. The National Park Service administers the trail with federal, state and local partners.[1][2]
In Virginia, the trail reaches from Tangier Island, Virginia to places including Alexandria, Virginia and George Washington Birthplace National Monument. It suits travelers who want to pair history with time outdoors: explore a waterfront town, visit a historic site, follow a self-guided land tour, or paddle a Chesapeake-area water route. Since stops are spread across a wide region and have different operators, use the NPS map to build a trip around the places and activities that interest you.[3][4]
Plan a trip to Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Why visit the trail?
This is a history route with room for different kinds of outings. The trail traces a campaign fought across the Chesapeake region, but its sites also open onto rivers, shoreline, towns and landscapes that can be explored by car, bicycle, on foot or by boat. It is a flexible choice for a single stop or a longer, self-planned journey rather than a conventional trail hike.[5]
Virginia’s connection reaches from Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay to the Potomac region and Alexandria. The National Park Service’s visitor information highlights Alexandria’s surrender to British forces in August 1814, while George Washington Birthplace National Monument is listed as a Virginia location for collecting a trail passport cancellation stamp.[6][7]
Start here
Begin with the National Park Service’s interactive map and decide whether you want a Virginia-focused visit or a broader Chesapeake itinerary. The map identifies partner sites and suggests ways to experience the trail, including driving routes, paddling and visits to historic places. Its accompanying travel guide can help connect stops across state lines.[8]
For a Virginia history stop, consider Alexandria, whose wartime story is part of the trail’s interpretation, or George Washington Birthplace National Monument. To make the trail part of a water-based outing, look for a suitable route and launch through the official map and local site information. A passport stamp can be a fun extra for visitors collecting trail cancellations; confirm the participating location and its current arrangements before setting out.[9][10]
What to see and do
Learn about the town’s occupation and surrender to British forces in August 1814, then explore Alexandria’s historic streets and waterfront.
Make this National Park Service site part of a Virginia trail itinerary. It is also listed among locations where visitors can get a trail passport cancellation stamp.
Take a land tour
Follow self-guided trail points by foot, bicycle or car. Check the NPS map and local information to choose a route that fits your time and interests.
Paddle a Chesapeake water route
The trail includes water routes and river trails. Review the map and local access details before choosing a paddle, since conditions and facilities vary by location.
Collect a passport cancellation
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History and significance
During the War of 1812, British forces raided communities around the Chesapeake Bay. In 1814, the campaign included the capture and burning of Washington, D.C., followed by an unsuccessful British attempt to take Baltimore. The defense of Baltimore at Fort McHenry inspired Francis Scott Key’s words that became the national anthem. The trail interprets that wider campaign through places in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., not just the better-known Baltimore story.[11]
Congress designated the trail in 2008 through an amendment to the National Trails System Act. Its planned network comprises land and water routes from Tangier Island through the Chesapeake region to Baltimore. The National Park Service coordinates planning and development with other government agencies, landowners, community groups and residents.[12]
Planning a visit
The trail is a network, not a single entrance or continuous walking path. Choose your stops first, then check the NPS interactive map and the local operator’s current information for access, hours, fees, parking, water access and any closures. Conditions and visitor arrangements can differ from one partner site to another.[13]
For paddling or other outdoor activities, plan around the specific route and its local conditions; the trail includes both overland and water experiences. If you are collecting passport cancellations, verify the location and availability before traveling. The NPS visitor pages and interactive map are the best starting points for checking current planning information.[14][15]
Nearby attractions
Books and useful gear: Browse related travel books and outdoor gear on Amazon
References
- ↑ Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Management, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Places, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Things To Do, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Places, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ More Places to Visit, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Star-Spangled Banner Trail Passport Stamps, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Places, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ More Places to Visit, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Star-Spangled Banner Trail Passport Stamps, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Management, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Places, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Things To Do, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Star-Spangled Banner Trail Passport Stamps, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.