Battle of Baltimore Navy inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the poem "Defence of Fort McHenry", which later became the lyrics for "The Star-Spangled Banner", the national anthem of the United States of America. Future President James Buchanan served as Private in the defense of Baltimore. Until April 1814, Great Britain was at war with Napoleonic France, which limited British war aims in America. During this time the British primarily used a defensive strategy and repelled American invasions of the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada. However, the Americans gained naval control over Lake Erie in 1813, and seized parts of western Ontario.
USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43) USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43) USS "Fort McHenry" (LSD-43) is a "Whidbey Island"-class dock landing ship of the United States Navy. She was named for Fort McHenry, in Baltimore, Maryland, the 1814 defense of which inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner". USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) was laid down on 10 June 1983 by Lockheed Shipbuilding in Seattle, Washington. She was launched on 1 February 1986 (sponsored by Helen D. Bentley), and commissioned on 8 August 1987 in Seattle, Commander George S. "Dusty" Rhodes in command. "Fort McHenry"<nowiki>'</nowiki>s maiden deployment was from June 1988 to December 1988 to the Western Pacific. Following her