The Battle of Baltimore happened through September 12-14 1814. The Battle of Baltimore was the turning point of the War of 1812. This battle had two halves, one being the land battle and the other being the water battle at the Battle of Fort McHenry. After the Burning of Washington the British forces led by Robert Ross continued to Baltimore. General Samuel Smith was tasked to defend the city and loaded Fort McHenry with cannons and placed ships along the North Point of the bay. While in the city he ordered the non-army men like blacks and slaves to build forts at Hampstead Hill. Meanwhile the women prepared food for the soldiers and nursed the wounded. All the citizens made an effort to protect Baltimore and eventually the Americans drove the British out of Baltimore.