<P> During World War II, Fort McHenry served as a Coast Guard base . </P> <P> The fort was made a national park in 1925; on August 11, 1939, it was redesignated a "National Monument and Historic Shrine," the only such doubly designated place in the United States . It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966 . It has become national tradition that when a new flag is designed it first flies over Fort McHenry . The first official 49 - and 50 - star American flags were flown over the fort and are still located on the premises . </P> <P> The fort has become a center of recreation for the Baltimore locals as well as a prominent tourist destination . Thousands of visitors come each year to see the "Birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner ." It's easily accessible by water taxi from the popular Baltimore Inner Harbor . However, to prevent abuse of the parking lots at the Fort, the National Park Service does not permit passengers to take the water taxi back to the Inner Harbor unless they have previously used it to arrive at the monument . </P> <P> Every September, the City of Baltimore commemorates Defenders Day in honor of the Battle of Baltimore . It is the biggest celebration of the year at the Fort, accompanied by a weekend of programs, events, and fireworks . </P>

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