Privateer Day

Welcome to Baltimore, 1814! Described as a "nest of pirates" Baltimore was home to many privateers during the War of 1812. Join us on June 28th as we explore the history of privateers who sought fame and fortune on the high seas aboard Baltimore-built topsail schooners. Explore the payoffs and pitfalls of privateering, and learn about the fighting sailors whose skills in handling canvas and cutlass led to the capture of at least 1,200 British merchant ships during the war. Will you capture many prizes or be caught by the British Navy? Find out and learn more about how privateering operated and brought the economy of England to its knees during the War of 1812. 

Program Schedule

9:00 a.m.: Crew registration starts at Customs House Annex

Stop by our Customs House tent to choose your ship and sign your Letter of Marque to become a privateer.

10:00 a.m.: Flag Change 

Help rangers hoist the colors over the fort for the day!   

11:00 a.m. Privateer Talk at Customs House Annex 

1:00 p.m. The Payoffs and Pitfalls of Privateering

 Learn about how small armed merchant ships, known as privateers, tackled the world's greatest navy in the War of 1812. British blockades on trade forced the young American nation to issue "Letters of Marque" which allowed merchant ships to carry guns and capture British carrier ships. Experience the process of how to become a privateer!

 2:00 p.m. Naval Weapons Demonstration 

Naval combat during the War of 1812 sometimes took place ship-to-ship with cannons and carronade crews, but often fighting sailors boarded ships and combat was face-to-face and blade-to-blade. Join us for a demonstration of the many kinds of weapons used by privateers.

3:00 p.m. Children’s Cutlass Drill

 Cut 1! Cut 2! Parry! Thrust! Learn how to fight like a privateer. Kids and grown-ups can join our sailors for some training with wooden cutlasses. 

4:00 p.m. Evening Flag Change

 Join rangers to close out the day and reflect on the meaning of the national symbol by bringing down the historic Star-Spangled Banner and raising up the modern 50-star flag of today’s generation.

Fee Information

Passes required for entry to star fort. Additional fee information available at: https://www.nps.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/fees.htm