Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry
Company type	Historic military fortification
Industry	Military history, tourism
Founded	1798
Headquarters	Baltimore, United States
Products	Historical site, museum, national monument

Fort McHenry is a notable historic coastal fortification in the United States, situated on Locust Point in Baltimore, Maryland. It is famously recognized for its role in repelling a British naval assault on Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812, specifically on September 13–14, 1814, when British forces attacked from Chesapeake Bay.

The fort was erected between 1798 and 1800 and remained in active use by the U.S. military through World War I, later serving the Coast Guard during World War II. It was designated as a national park in 1925 and subsequently reclassified as a U.S. National Monument in 1939.

During the intense British bombardment of 1814, a 17 by 25-foot American storm flag flew over the fort. Early on September 14, this was replaced by a much larger 30 by 42-foot garrison flag, symbolizing American triumph in the Battle of Baltimore. This sight inspired Francis Scott Key to compose "Defence of Fort M'Henry," which eventually became the lyrics for "The Star-Spangled Banner," now the national anthem of the United States.

18th century

Fort McHenry occupies the location formerly held by Fort Whetstone, which defended Baltimore from 1776 until 1797. Positioned on what is now known as Locust Point (formerly Whetstone Point), it commands the entrance to Baltimore Harbor between the Inner Harbor basin and branches of the Patapsco River.

Designed in 1798 by French military engineer Jean Foncin, the fort was constructed to strengthen defenses for Baltimore’s expanding port. Its pentagonal bastion layout included a dry moat to shield infantry from enemy land assaults, with each bastion arranged to allow overlapping cannon and small arms fire.

The fort bears the name of James McHenry (1753–1816), a Scots-Irish immigrant who served as a surgeon-soldier during the Revolutionary War, represented Maryland in the Continental Congress, signed the U.S. Constitution, and held office as Secretary of War under Presidents Washington and Adams—cementing his significance in American military heritage.

War of 1812

On September 13, 1814, British naval forces commanded by Vice Admiral Alexander Cochrane launched a bombardment against Fort McHenry lasting approximately 25 hours. The American defenders utilized artillery including 18-, 24-, and 32-pounder cannons. Although British weaponry—comprising guns and rockets—could reach distances up to two miles, their accuracy was limited. Defensive measures at Fort McHenry included a chain of 22 sunken ships that effectively barred British vessels from entering Baltimore Harbor. The British assault ended on September 14 after their ammunition supplies were exhausted.

Under Major George Armistead, American troops suffered four deaths and twenty-four wounded personnel; among them was Private William Williams, one of the few African American soldiers present. A bomb struck the fort’s powder magazine but failed to detonate, likely due to either wet conditions or malfunction.

Star-Spangled Banner

Francis Scott Key, a Washington lawyer, observed the bombardment firsthand while engaged in negotiations for prisoner release nearby. Throughout the attack, an oversized flag crafted by Mary Pickersgill at a cost of $405.90 flew above Fort McHenry. Witnessing this large banner still flying at dawn on September 14 inspired Key to write "Defence of Fort M'Henry," which was later renamed "The Star-Spangled Banner." This poem evolved into the national anthem of the United States and has been translated into numerous languages to connect with both immigrants and citizens alike.

Civil War

Throughout the American Civil War, Fort McHenry's vicinity was repurposed as a military detention facility, incarcerating both Confederate troops and Maryland political leaders who opposed President Abraham Lincoln. Among those confined were Baltimore’s Mayor George William Brown, members of the city council, Police Commissioner George P. Kane, legislators from the Maryland General Assembly, and several newspaper editors. Of particular note, Francis Scott Key's grandson, Francis Key Howard, was also held at the fort. Visitors today can still access some of the original prison cells. Additionally, the fort functioned as an artillery training ground, which explains the presence of the Rodman guns currently exhibited on-site.

On May 25, 1861, John Merryman was apprehended for sabotaging bridges to obstruct Union military movements and subsequently detained at Fort McHenry. Merryman sought a writ of habeas corpus from Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, who granted it and ordered Merryman’s release. However, General George Cadwalader, commanding Union forces at the fort, declined to honor this order, referencing President Lincoln’s suspension of habeas corpus. This confrontation resulted in the unresolved legal matter known as Ex parte Merryman, underscoring the wartime struggle between executive authority and legislative oversight.

World War I

During World War I, over one hundred auxiliary buildings were erected around Fort McHenry to transform it into a sizable U.S. Army hospital dedicated to treating soldiers returning from Europe. Although these additional structures have since been removed, the original fort has been preserved and restored to reflect its appearance during the War of 1812.

World War II

Throughout World War II, Fort McHenry operated as a training base for the Coast Guard, while simultaneously remaining open to visitors interested in its historic significance.

National monument

Initially designated as a national park in 1925, Fort McHenry received a unique status on August 11, 1939, when it was reclassified as a "National Monument and Historic Shrine"—the only location in the United States to hold this dual designation. It was subsequently listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966. The fort is nationally recognized for being the site where newly adopted U.S. flags were first displayed; notably, both the first 49-star and 50-star flags were unfurled here and continue to be exhibited.

Today

Currently, Fort McHenry functions as an important recreational venue for Baltimore residents and attracts thousands of tourists annually to experience the "Birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner." Access is available via water taxi from Baltimore's Inner Harbor, with return trips requiring prior use of this service to prevent misuse of parking facilities by visitors.

Authorized archaeological digs have revealed artifacts now showcased around the Parade Ground, complemented by exhibits inside the Visitor Center and adjacent buildings that illustrate the fort’s historical roles.

Every September, Baltimore commemorates Defenders Day with events honoring the Battle of Baltimore; this celebration includes educational programs, special activities, and fireworks displays—the largest annual event held at the fort.

In 2005, the living history volunteer organization known as the Fort McHenry Guard earned the George B. Hartzog award as the premier volunteer group within the National Park Service. Since 2003, former Baltimore mayor and Maryland governor Martin O'Malley has served as its honorary colonel.

The original Star-Spangled Banner Flag flown over Fort McHenry has been preserved under controlled conditions at the National Museum of American History to prevent further degradation.

Legally, Fort McHenry may be closed to public access during a national emergency for military purposes as authorized by federal law under the United States Code.

In 2013, Fort McHenry was honored with a commemorative quarter as part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program.

The bicentennial celebration of the Star-Spangled Banner in 2014 featured the Star-Spangled Spectacular event, which included tall ship parades, fireworks presentations, and performances by the Navy’s Blue Angels.

As of 2015, preservation initiatives have concentrated on restoring original brickwork by replacing mortar to ensure long-term structural stability.

On August 26, 2020, amid COVID-19 restrictions limiting traditional gatherings, Vice President Mike Pence delivered his acceptance speech for a second term at Fort McHenry during the Republican National Convention.

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