Flip A Fort McHenry! A Piece Of Maryland's History Is Now In Currency
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Maryland is already depicted in currency. Now on the state's own special holiday, Defenders' Day, one of its most historic sites is too.
Christie Ileto has the story.
In person, Fort McHenry is stunning.
In currency, "it's gorgeous," said Diana Stitz. "It represents Fort McHenry. It's our state."
Friday, a piece of Maryland's history is now on a quarter.
Once a target of the British army during the War of 1812, the fort withstood enemy bombs and became a birthplace to the Star-Spangled Banner.
People from all over are racing to get the newly minted coin.
"The other quarters that I have have the White House on it, and it doesn't have Fort McHenry on it," said Mercedes Young.
On the front is George Washington. On the back is Fort McHenry. M&T Bank employees expect to give out 30,000 of these quarters on Friday alone.
There are 270 million quarters with bombs bursting in air and our flag waving above the fort being put into circulation right now.
"Really institutionalizing our history here, and Fort McHenry played a big role in that," said Rosie Rios, U.S. Treasury.
It is Maryland's history summed up in one image, and in almost one inch, it is one you can carry with you everywhere you go.
If you think this weekend is a big deal, just wait until next year. It will be the 200th anniversary of the writing of the Star- Spangled Banner.
