Star-Spangled Banner Trail Launches

The National Park service this week kicked off the , which loops together a number of communities impacted by the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake Bay region.

Monday's announcement more or less declared the trail as ready for visitors.

Manager of Marketing & Tourism attended the kick-off event to accept recognition on behalf of the city.

"The partnership between the National Park Sevice and the City of Havre de Grace has been strong for many years. This just bridges the opportunity for more visitors between the water trail and the War of 1812 Trail," Peters said. "It bridges our counties—Harford and Cecil—together, too, to really tell that story."

Read more about the War of 1812 Bicentennial commemoration in Havre de Grace.

The trail will come to life through a pocket guide, kiosks at 25 trail locations, highway parkers, an illustrated travel guide, the trail's junior ranger program, as well as an online and virtual center.

Explore the trail here.

Bill Pencek, Executive Director of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission and chair of the trail's Advisory Council, said the trail will attract the serious tourist.

"The trail connects the multitude of sites significant to our national heritage," Pencek said in a news release. "The trail is also a vital economic resource, attracting the 'touring traveler' who spends more, takes longer trips, and travels with more people than typical visitors to Maryland."

Monday's kickoff took place in Fells Point in Baltimore, bringing together more than 100 officials, volunteers and supporters of the project.

"The hard work and dedication of our partners throughout the region results today in a trail that is open and ready to receive visitors," NPS Superintendent John Maounis said in a statement. "Families can tour the trail, visit historic places, ride their bikes or visit by boat. The NPS Chesapeake Bay Office will continue to work with our partners to offer additional opportunities for education and recreation."

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See More:

• More on the War of 1812 Bicentennial