This Baltimore Stronghold Inspired Our National Anthem During a Brutal British Bombardment in 1814

Fort McHenry, Maryland

The walls of Fort McHenry have seen some things: British bombs, the birth of our national anthem, and two centuries of Baltimore life flowing past its harbor post. Today it’s still standing proud, telling its stories to anyone who stops by.

Here’s what you need to know about Maryland’s most famous fort.

Unique Design That Changed Warfare Forever

You can see the distinctive pentagonal structure surrounded by a wide, dry moat as you walk up to the fort.

Built between 1799 and 1802, Fort McHenry’s five-pointed star shape served a crucial defensive purpose for the young nation.

Each point of the star stays visible from adjacent points, allowing as few as five soldiers to watch every area of land surrounding the fort. Fort McHenry replaced Fort Whetstone, which had stood on this spot since 1776.

Each front stretches approximately 290 feet between the points of the bastions, with the central parade ground forming a regular pentagon about 150 feet on each side.

Brick masonry walls with heavy granite caps created a formidable defense that would help save Baltimore from invasion.

The Inspiration for the Star Spangled Banner

In September 1814, during the War of 1812, British naval forces launched a relentless bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor.

For 25 grueling hours, approximately 1,800 shells rained down on the American defenders.

Watching this battle from a British detention ship was Francis Scott Key, an American lawyer who had come to negotiate a prisoner release.

When dawn broke after the overnight assault, Key was overcome with emotion at the sight of the massive American flag still flying proudly over the fort, signaling that the Americans had successfully repelled the attack.

This powerful moment inspired him to write the poem “Defence of Fort M’Henry,” which was later set to music and became “The Star-Spangled Banner” – America’s national anthem.

Visitor Center With High-Tech Displays

Start your journey at the modern Visitor and Education Center before heading to the fort. Interactive exhibits tell Francis Scott Key’s story, show details about the Battle of Baltimore, and explain the often-forgotten War of 1812.

A 10-minute film plays hourly, giving you essential background about the battle and how “The Star-Spangled Banner” came to be written. Touch-screen displays track Key’s movements before he wrote the anthem and lay out the entire War of 1812 timeline.

Glass cases display authentic war artifacts including uniforms, weapons, and personal items used by soldiers, along with exhibits about the original handwritten manuscript.

While the Visitor Center gives you a broad overview, you’ll find more specific exhibits inside the fort itself.

Explore the Barracks

Step inside the brick buildings surrounding the parade ground to see how soldiers lived at the fort. Four main barracks buildings housed different ranks: the Commanding Officer’s Quarters, Junior Officers’ Quarters, and two buildings for enlisted men.

A guardhouse stands next to the Commanding Officer’s Quarters, where Fort McHenry Guards lived and sometimes locked up unruly soldiers.

Between the Commanding Officer’s Quarters and Junior Officers’ Quarters sits the Powder Magazine, built with extra-thick walls to keep gunpowder safe from sparks and fire.

Each building now holds exhibits showing different aspects of fort life throughout its history, with furniture and items from early 19th-century military life. Walking through these rooms helps you imagine what daily life was like for the men who defended Baltimore.

Powerful Weapons That Saved Baltimore

Climb up to the ramparts to check out the impressive cannons lined up to defend the harbor. During the 1814 battle, Fort McHenry’s defenders fired 18-, 24- and 32-pounder cannons to keep British ships from entering Baltimore Harbor.

A chain of 22 sunken ships also blocked the channel, part of the city’s smart defense strategy. Today, the “Rodman Battery” outside the fort shows off one of the best collections of Civil War-era coastal cannons in the United States.

These bigger guns replaced the earlier weapons as military technology got better over time. Summer demonstrations show you how soldiers loaded and fired these powerful weapons during battle.

Views From Walls That Withstood Attack

Walk along the high brick walls circling the fort for amazing harbor views. These ramparts gave soldiers perfect positions for their artillery and clear sightlines across the entire harbor entrance.

Wall openings called embrasures let cannons fire while keeping gunners protected from enemy shots. These same walls stood strong through 25 hours of British bombardment without falling.

From this vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of Baltimore Harbor, the city skyline, and surrounding waterways just as soldiers did over 200 years ago.

Where Civil War Prisoners Were Held

Explore the buildings that once held prisoners during the American Civil War.

Fort McHenry served three roles during this troubled time: as a garrison, hospital, and prison for both Confederate soldiers and Southern sympathizers.

Soldiers even pointed some of the fort’s cannons toward Baltimore itself to prevent pro-Southern activists from taking Maryland out of the Union. Many Confederate prisoners stayed briefly before moving to larger prisons, but at times overcrowding became severe.

After the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, almost 7,000 prisoners packed into the fort. Notable prisoners included Baltimore’s mayor, city council members, police commissioner, state legislators, newspaper editors, and even Francis Scott Key’s grandson, Francis Key Howard.

From Fort To Hospital And Training Base

Discover how the fort kept serving America long after the War of 1812 ended. From 1917 until 1923, Fort McHenry became U.S. Army General Hospital #2, treating around 30,000 wounded veterans returning from World War I.

Doctors and nurses pioneered the first programs for disabled American veterans here, making medical history. During World War II, the fort served as a United States Coast Guard training facility, continuing its tradition of protecting America.

Elements from each of these periods remain preserved, showing how the fort’s role evolved over nearly 150 years of active service.

Trail That Circles The Peninsula

Head outside the fort and follow the waterfront path for fresh air and more views.

The Sea Wall Trail creates a mile-long loop around the entire Fort McHenry peninsula, with about three-quarters of it running right along the Patapsco River.

This paved path gives you different angles to see the star-shaped fort and sweeping harbor vistas.

Along the way, you’ll pass a picnic area, a Civil War-era gunpowder magazine built in 1864, and a memorial grove of trees honoring officers from the Battle of Fort McHenry.

You’ll also see the impressive Orpheus statue, put up in 1922 to honor Francis Scott Key and those who defended the fort.

Hands-On Programs For All Ages

Join in with demonstrations that bring history to life during your visit. Kids can become Junior Rangers by exploring the fort and completing an Activity Booklet, earning a special certificate and badge when they finish.

During summer months, the Fort McHenry Guard puts on cannon and musket firing demonstrations, while fife and drum performances fill the air with period music.

Weekend living history programs happen throughout spring and summer, with special events teaching visitors of all ages about fort life.

Park rangers lead Flag Talks, guided tours, and educational discussions throughout the day.

Special Events From Flag Ceremonies To Fireworks

Time your visit to catch one of the fort’s special events for an unforgettable experience. The popular “Fort, Flag and Fire!” ceremony happens every Saturday at 2 p.m. during July and August, letting visitors help change the massive 42-foot flag.

September brings Defenders’ Day celebrations, honoring Baltimore’s successful defense with parades, living history demonstrations, music, and spectacular fireworks over the harbor.

Monthly bird walks let nature lovers explore the wildlife that lives around the fort grounds. Morning flag changes happen daily (weather permitting), connecting modern visitors to traditions dating back centuries.

Tributes To American Heroes

Look around the grounds to find memorials honoring those who served here. A memorial grove contains trees dedicated to officers who fought in the Battle of Fort McHenry, preserving their contributions to America’s defense.

Near the parking lot stands a statue of George Armistead, who commanded Fort McHenry during the 1814 British bombardment and refused to surrender.

Fort McHenry even appears on a special quarter issued in 2013 as part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program.

Getting The Most From Your Visit

Entry to the historic area costs $15 for visitors ages 16 and older, while children 15 and under get in free. Your ticket provides a 7-day entrance permit, so you can come back multiple times during your Baltimore stay.

National Park Service passes, including the Interagency Annual Pass, also work for entry. Fort McHenry welcomes visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with longer summer hours from Memorial Day through Labor Day when the grounds and Sea Wall Trail open at 7 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.

• Location: 2400 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230
• Free parking available on-site
• Accessible by public transportation: MTA buses and Charm City Circulator
• Baltimore Water Taxi service available (must board elsewhere)
• Visitor Center film shown hourly beginning at 9 a.m.
• Pets welcome on leash in outdoor areas but not inside the fort
• Picnic areas available on grounds at no additional fee

For current information and special event schedules, visit the National Park Service website for Fort McHenry or call 410-962-4290.

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