BALTIMORE, Md. — Historic Fort McHenry shut down without firing a single shot, and you certainly can’t blame the British.

“Exactly. Fort McHenry has been taken over today,” said Howard Lauridsen who is visiting the city from Clatskanie, Oregon, “Thank you, Washington, DC.”

On the first day of the federal shutdown, visitors found the gates locked and were left hoping it wasn’t their last chance to get a glimpse of the historic site.

“We know this is one of the most historic places in Baltimore,” added Howard’s wife, Diane, “We love history and just wanted to see it.”

And it’s not just the tourists.

Mayor Brandon Scott says the city is prepared to do everything in its power to ease the financial burden that comes with its federal employees who are furloughed or working without being pai

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