Revisiting the War of 1812 On Its 200th Birthday The Civil War isn't the only United States military conflict hitting a milestone this decade. The War of 1812, whose end inspired our national anthem, marks its bicentennial this summer, an occasion that will be celebrated in military re-enactments, symphony concerts and historic tours in Ontario, Ohio, Maryland and other sites where battles were fought. The American-British conflict over maritime rights took place largely on eastern American waterways, including the St. Lawrence Seaway, Chesapeake Bay and the Great Lakes. In Baltimore, as part of a festival from June 13 through June 19 known as the Star-Spangled Sailabration, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will debut a new composition inspired by the conflict. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, then attacked by the British, will open a new visitor's center. And 20 tall ships and schooners, many modeled on period vessels, will drop anchor in the harbor for tours. In Canada, a major war front, several tall ships, gunboats and period encampments will recreate a key battle on Lake Ontario, June 29 through July 1. See visit1812.com for a full listing of events.