Multiple postmarks commemorate Fort McHenry bicentennial

Collectors of War of 1812 postmarks will have plenty to pursue with the latest group of postmarks offered by the Baltimore, Md., post office.

Seven different pictorial postmark designs commemorate themes associated with the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry and North Point, and The Star-Spangled Banner, which Francis Scott Key wrote after witnessing the bombardment of the fort.

Shown here is one of the postmarks, complementing the new United States War of 1812: Fort McHenry commemorative forever stamp issued Sept. 13 in Baltimore.

The first-day ceremony took place at the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.

Each postmark is detailed below with the station name and description of the design.

To obtain any or all of these pictorial postmarks — all of which have a 60-day extension — use the designated station name and be very specific when identifying which postmark you are requesting.

Then send requests to the following address:

FORT McHENRY POSTMARKS, Supervisor M.O.W.S., 900 E. Fayette St., Room 507, Baltimore, MD 21233-9998,

— Battle of North Point Bicentennial Station, Sept. 12; postmark showing soldier, map, eagle.

— Defenders Day Station, Sept. 12-14; soldiers with flag.

— National Star-Spangled Banner Bicentennial Station, Sept. 12-14; shield bearing an American flag and Francis Scott Key.

— Fort McHenry Bicentennial Station, Sept. 13-14; Francis Scott Key in a shield with an American flag, text “O’er the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.”

— Francis Scott Key Bicentennial Station, Sept. 13-14; Francis Scott Key in a circle.

— Fort McHenry Station, Sept. 13-14; design of Fort McHenry America the Beautiful quarter dollar design.

— Battle Hymn Station; Sept. 14, honoring the national anthem and the Maryland state song.

Instructions for requesting postmarks

For complete instructions for requesting postmarks, click here.