Land of Liberty Explorers

Overview of Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry is a pentagonal coastal fort at the mouth of Baltimore Harbor. It was built between 1798 and 1800 to defend the port of Baltimore. The fort was named for James McHenry, an Irish immigrant who served as a surgeon in the American Revolution. McHenry later served Secretary of War under Presidents George Washington and John Adams.

Fort McHenry in the War of 1812

At 6:00 am, on September 13, 1814, the British Navy began bombing Fort McHenry. The British bombardment lasted 25 hours, but resulted in only four American deaths. When the bombing began, a 17 x 25 foot U.S. flag flew over the fort. This first flag was replaced by an even larger 30 x 42 foot flag to signal the American victory in the Battle of Baltimore the following morning.

Statue of Francis Scott Key inside the Visitor and Education Center

A lawyer from Washington named Frances Scott Key was in Baltimore to negotiate the release of a civilian prisoner of war. Key observed the battle and was inspired write the poem “The Defense of Fort M’Henry,” which would later be renamed “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Major George Armistead commanded Fort McHenry during the War of 1812

Fort McHenry in the Civil War

The Union maintained control of Fort McHenry during the Civil War, and used it to house confederate prisoners of war and political detainees who were sympathetic to the Confederate States. The most notable prisoner housed at Fort McHenry may have been John Merryman, who was arrested for blowing up bridges to impede Union troop movements. Merryman petitioned Chief Justice Roger B. Taney for a petition for habeas corpus. Taney granted the writ and sent U.S. Marshals to Fort McHenry to retrieve Merryman so he could appear in court. General George Cadwalader refused to turn Merryman over citing President Abraham Lincoln’s suspension of habeas corpus. The case of Ex Parte Marryman remains unresolved as a dispute between the execute and judicial branches of government.

Fort McHenry in the 20th Century

During World War I, Fort McHenry was used as an enormous military hospital complex. Over 100 additional buildings were built around the fort to support the hospital. The Coast Guard used Fort McHenry as a base during World War II.

The fort became a national monument in 1925. On August 11, 1939, it was redesignated a “national monument and historic shrine.” When Alaska became a state, the first 49-star flag was flown over Fort McHenry, and when Hawaii was admitted into the union, the first 50-star flag was flown over Fort McHenry.

Visiting the National Monument and Historic Shrine

A visit to Fort McHenry starts at the Visitor and Education Center. The Education Center houses a great museum that tells the story of the fort’s proud history. After exploring the museum, guests watch the park’s orientation film that details Frances Scott Key’s observations of the Battle of Baltimore.

As the film concludes, the screen gives way to a large window from which visitors can see the giant American flag flying proudly above Fort McHenry. The theater doors open and visitors can begin the excellent self-guided tour of the fort’s grounds. Some highlights include the barracks, powder magazine, and parade grounds. During our visit, historical reenactors fired a cannon, which added to the fun!